Endoscopic Inspection of the Throat and Voice Box in Houston

Our office offers endoscopic inspections of the throat, allowing ENT doctors to closely examine the back of your throat and the voice box. This procedure is known as laryngoscopy. It’s commonly recommended for patients with difficulty swallowing, trouble breathing, abnormal voice changes, persistent bad breath, or prolonged cough and throat pain.

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How is Endoscopic Inspection Performed?

An endoscopic inspection of the throat or voice box involves using a slender instrument equipped with a camera and light. This tool is gently inserted through the nose or mouth and guided down into the throat. To ensure comfort and relaxation, a numbing agent is applied beforehand. The duration of the procedure can vary, but it typically only takes a few minutes to complete, allowing for a thorough examination without significant discomfort.

How Can an Endoscopic Inspection Help?

An endoscopic inspection offers a thorough examination that allows your ENT specialist to closely evaluate the throat and voice box, helping to identify various medical issues. This procedure may be recommended if you’re facing:

Ongoing throat pain or a persistent cough
Chronic halitosis
Changes in your voice
Breathing difficulties
Issues with swallowing

Additionally, this inspection can complement findings from a CT scan, providing more detailed insights into specific areas of concern.

What Can Be Identified with an Endoscopic Inspection of the Throat and Voice Box?

An endoscopic examination is a valuable tool that allows our board-certified ENT specialists to carefully examine the throat and voice box structures, helping to diagnose a range of conditions, including the following:

Vocal Cord Disorders: These include various conditions affecting the vocal cords that can lead to changes in voice quality, hoarseness, or even loss of voice. Common causes are vocal misuse, overuse, or underlying medical issues that impact vocal fold tissues.

Throat Inflammation (Pharyngitis): Often resulting from viral or bacterial infections, pharyngitis is characterized by swelling, pain, and throat irritation. Symptoms typically include a sore throat, trouble swallowing, and fever.

Growths or Masses in the Throat: Unusual lumps or bumps within the throat can range from benign to malignant and may interfere with breathing, swallowing, and speech. Such growths can arise from infections, abnormal tissue growth, or tumors.

Laryngitis: This is the inflammation of the larynx (voice box), which often leads to voice changes like hoarseness or temporary loss of voice. Laryngitis may be caused by viral infections, vocal strain, or allergies.

Nodules or Polyps on the Vocal Cords: These benign growths develop on the vocal cords due to chronic vocal strain or irritation, often causing voice changes and hoarseness. "Singer's nodules" are common among those who frequently use their voice professionally, such as vocal performers.

Vocal Cord Paralysis: In this condition, one or both vocal cords lose the ability to move, affecting voice, breathing, and swallowing. Causes can include injury, surgery complications, or neurological disorders.

Lesions or Abnormalities in the Voice Box: Structural changes or damages within the larynx can impact voice production and airway function. Lesions can include cysts, ulcers, or even cancerous changes.

Throat Narrowing (Stenosis): Throat stenosis is the narrowing or constriction of the throat passage, which can affect breathing and swallowing. It may be due to congenital conditions, infections, or injuries.

Endoscopic Inspection Benefits

Endoscopic inspection provides valuable insights into any irregularities in the throat or voice box, allowing our ENT doctors to identify the problems the patient is experiencing. This procedure has no downtime and can often be completed in under 30 minutes. In some cases, abnormal growths can be removed when discovered during the inspection.

About Texas ENT Specialists in Houston

Texas ENT Specialists in Houston provide expert care for all ear, nose, and throat conditions, with multiple convenient locations. We distinguish ourselves in the industry through:

Personalized Treatment

Our ENT services are customized to address your unique needs, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.

Top-Rated Physician Network

Each of our offices is staffed by a team of highly regarded physicians ready to assist with any ENT concerns.

Centers of Excellence

Our facilities are equipped with advanced technology, offering comprehensive care and striving for a smooth and comfortable patient experience.

Continuity of Care

Through our integrated approach and skilled network of ENT doctors, we focus on achieving long-term relief for our patients.

When Should I Consider Endoscopic Inspection?

Your ENT doctor will recommend the procedure if you qualify as a candidate. Typically, candidates are individuals experiencing persistent throat or vocal issues that remain undiagnosed despite prior evaluations. Additionally, those who require a biopsy or the removal of a growth for further analysis or treatment may also be advised to undergo this examination to address their concerns effectively.

What to Expect During Your Inspection

Before the procedure, you may need to pause some medications, and we ensure you are fully aware in planning the procedure. This outpatient test will be performed in our offices for your convenience. A numbing medication will be administered to make the experience comfortable leaving you with only minor discomfort, easily managed with over the counter medication. Once the endoscope is in place, the images are available immediately after the procedure.