ENT examination and flexible/rigid laryngoscopy assessment performed to visualize the vocal cords in cases of hoarseness lasting longer than 3 weeks.
Indication
- Hoarseness (dysphonia) lasting 3 weeks or more
- Even short-term unexplained hoarseness in patients who smoke or use alcohol
- Recurrent voice problems in occupational voice users (teachers, performers, call-center workers)
- Sensation of a foreign body in the throat, swallowing difficulty, persistent throat clearing
- Voice change accompanied by bloody sputum, weight loss, or neck swelling
- Suspected vocal cord movement problems after thyroid or neck surgery
- Persistent hoarseness and voice quality deterioration in children
Preparation
- Prepare a brief recording or notes describing how and when the voice changed
- Inform the physician about existing conditions such as reflux, allergies, and asthma
- List medications used (especially inhalers and blood thinners)
- Light meal 1-2 hours before the procedure; not being overly full is helpful
- Smoking and excessive caffeine should be reduced before the procedure when possible
How it's performed
- Detailed ear-nose-throat examination is performed by the ENT specialist
- Local anesthetic spray is applied to the nose to minimize discomfort
- A thin, flexible endoscope (fiberoptic laryngoscope) is advanced through the nose to visualize the vocal cords in real time
- Vocal cord movement is observed while the patient speaks normally, makes an 'eee' sound, and breathes
- When needed, stroboscopy is used to evaluate the quality of vocal cord vibration in slow-motion imaging
- If a suspicious mass or structural problem is found, further investigation or biopsy is planned
Post-procedure
- Voice rest, reflux treatment, or speech therapy (logopedics) is recommended based on findings
- Medical treatment or microsurgery may be planned for vocal nodules, polyps, and cysts
- Hygiene and technique training is recommended for occupational voice users
- Follow-up within 2-4 weeks for suspicious lesions; biopsy is considered if they persist
- Smoking cessation counseling is provided if smoking or alcohol use is present
Risks
- Brief discomfort or mild nosebleed via the nasal passage
- Rare hypersensitivity reactions to local anesthetics
- Temporary tenderness and sneezing during endoscopy
- Need for further investigation in severe accompanying reflux or tumor presentations
FAQ
Why should hoarseness lasting longer than 3 weeks be taken seriously?
Short-term hoarseness is most often due to viral infection or vocal fatigue. ENT evaluation is required for hoarseness lasting more than 3 weeks to rule out vocal nodules, polyps, or more serious diseases.
Is laryngoscopy painful?
Thanks to the local anesthetic sprayed into the nose, the procedure usually causes only brief discomfort. It takes a few minutes and you can return to daily life immediately afterward.
Does voice therapy really work?
Yes. Voice therapy (logopedics) is a clinically effective treatment option for vocal nodules, functional dysphonia, and occupational voice problems.
Can reflux cause hoarseness?
Laryngopharyngeal reflux can irritate the vocal cords and cause chronic hoarseness and persistent throat clearing; significant improvement may be seen with treatment.
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