Laryngology
What is Laryngology?
Laryngology is a sub-specialty of otolaryngology that deals specifically with illnesses and injuries of the larynx, or voice box. The larynx is located at the front of the neck and contains the vocal cords. This busy organ has three critical functions: Breathing, creating vocal sounds, and serving as a gateway to direct air into your lungs and food into your esophagus.
What Conditions Affect the Larynx?
Disorders of the larynx affect our ability to speak and swallow properly. Voice and swallowing problems can develop for many reasons, from injuries and allergies to more serious conditions like cancer. The larynx can also be affected by surgical procedures such as thyroid, cardiac, thoracic, spine, and vascular surgery, or by the placement of a breathing tube during anesthesia or hospitalization.
Watch to Learn More About Laryngology
When Should You See a Laryngologist?
- Has your voice become hoarse or raspy?
- Does your throat often feel sore, achy, or strained?
- Do you find yourself repeatedly clearing your throat or feeling like there is something stuck in your throat?
- Do you have trouble swallowing solid or liquid foods?
- Has your voice been abnormal for two or more weeks after a cold?
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a laryngologist for assessment and treatment, if needed.
In-Office Assessments & Treatment
Community Memorial’s Laryngology experts have undergone extensive training and are the only laryngologists in the region with the skills and technology to perform a variety of assessments and procedures in-office, without the use of general anesthesia. These assessments and treatments include:
- Laryngeal videostroboscopy analysis
- Airway assessment
- Swallowing assessment
- Vocal cord injections
- Laser treatment of laryngeal issues
Diseases & Conditions We Treat
Our Laryngologists specialize in treating the following diseases and conditions:
- Cancer and pre-cancerous lesions of the larynx
- Hoarseness
- Immobile vocal folds
- Laryngeal papilloma
- Laryngeal stenosis
- Laryngeal trauma
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux
- Sinus disease
- Septal deviation
- Spasmodic dysphonia
- Subglottic & tracheal stenosis
- Swallowing disorders
- Thyroid & parathyroid disorders
- Vocal fold nodules
- Vocal fold paralysis
- Vocal fold polyps
- Vocal cord dysfunction
- Zenker’s diverticulum
