J38.1 Polyp of vocal cord and larynx

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Common name(s): Polyp of vocal cord and larynx
- Medical term: Vocal Cord Polyp

#### Summary
Vocal cord polyps are noncancerous growths that appear on one or both vocal cords. They can vary in size and shape and are often the result of chronic irritation or overuse of the voice.

#### Causes
- Chronic vocal strain or misuse, such as frequent shouting or singing.
- Prolonged inflammation due to smoking or allergies.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also contribute.
- Respiratory infections or chronic coughing.

#### Risk Factors
- Occupational risks for singers, teachers, and public speakers.
- Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Chronic respiratory irritants.
- Age and gender: More common in middle-aged men.

#### Symptoms
- Hoarse or breathy voice.
- Difficulty speaking or changes in pitch.
- Throat pain or tightness.
- Feeling of a “lump” in the throat.

#### Diagnosis
- Laryngoscopy: A procedure using a camera to visually inspect the vocal cords.
- Stroboscopy: A technique that evaluates vocal cord vibration.
- Voice assessment or evaluation by a speech-language pathologist.

#### Treatment Options
- Voice therapy to teach correct vocal techniques and reduce strain.
- Surgical removal of polyps if they cause significant symptoms or do not improve with therapy.
- Treatment for underlying causes, such as anti-reflux medications or smoking cessation.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Many patients experience improvement with voice therapy and lifestyle changes.
- Regular follow-ups with ENT specialists to monitor vocal cord health.
- Long-term outlook is generally favorable with proper management.

#### Complications
- Persistent vocal quality changes.
- Compensatory behaviors may lead to further vocal damage.
- Rare transformation into malignant lesions if continuously irritated.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Avoid smoking and reduce exposure to irritants.
- Practice good vocal hygiene including proper hydration.
- Warm up voice before extensive use.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Persistent hoarseness lasting more than two weeks.
- Sudden unexplained changes in voice quality.
- Any difficulty breathing or swallowing alongside voice changes.

#### Additional Resources
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure the distinction between benign polyps and malignant growths when coding.
- Verify the correct subsite as polyps can occur on various parts of the larynx.
- Double-check documentation for any associated conditions like GERD or chronic laryngitis.

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