Possible treatment options for cancer are: Radiotherapy: If a malignant (cancerous) tumour of the larynx is diagnosed by biopsy then further treatment will be planned at a cancer team meeting and discussed with the patient. It can remove the problem in the case of polyps, nodules or cysts and will provide a piece of tissue for laboratory analysis (a biopsy). This type of operation is usually done under general anaesthetic using a rigid telescope (Endoscope) and a microscope (to provide magnification). Microlaryngoscopy (see ENTUK webpage on Microlaryngoscopy and Oesophagoscopy)Īn operation to remove nodules, polyps and non cancerous (benign) tumours may be recommended if these are identified at the outpatients visit. Voice therapy may require more than one visit to the therapist. In this case a voice therapist will be able to give advice or suggest exercises that might help the quality of the voice. The problem with their voice will be related to the way they are using their voice i.e. The majority of patients will have no structural abnormality identified. Voice therapy (Speech and Language Therapist):

Depending on the clinical findings, the following treatments may be recommended: Simple advice:Īs described above for intermittent mild hoarseness. This examination is done at the time of your out-patient visit and does not require hospital admission. This is done by passing a flexible telescope through the nose (Fibreoptic Endoscope). The surgeon will examine the throat to help identify the cause of the hoarseness. The GP may decide to refer you to an ENT surgeon. It is particularly important to see the GP with these symptoms if the person is a smoker or drinks more than the recommended amount of alcohol. prolonged sore throat or difficulty swallowing for more than two weeks.repeated spells of hoarseness without reason.prolonged hoarseness for more than four weeks.People suffering from the following symptoms should seek urgent medical advice from their family doctor (GP): take Antacids e.g Gaviscon if you get a build-up of acid in the throat.drink plenty of fluids (avoid too many fizzy drinks).rest the voice (but don’t resort to whispering which can make matters worse).In most cases this will settle by itself. Intermittent mild episodes of hoarseness: One or both of the vocal cords may be paralysed if it’s nerve is affected by infection or tumour.Ī key question here is whether the hoarseness is constant or getting worse or does it come and go with periods of “normal” voice in between. Problems with movement of the vocal cords (paralysed vocal cords).These may be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Rarely a growth or tumour develops on the vocal cords and or voice box.Problems with the strength of the lungs can also lead to a change in voice.Vocal cord polyps are often related to smoking.

These can develop when the voice is used too much or too loudly for long periods of time (Singer’s Nodules).

A build-up of soft tissue (polyps) or thickenings (nodules) on the vocal cords.

Stomach acid/enzymes irritating the throat (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux).

A viral upper respiratory tract infection, causing the voice box lining to swell (Laryngitis).

There are several causes of hoarseness, fortunately most are not serious and tend to go away after a short period of time. Hoarseness results from the vocal cords in the voice box (Larynx) not working properly. This creates a sound which we know as the voice. Normally when we talk/sing the vocal cords come together and vibrate.

A complete loss of voice, resulting in only a whisper, is called Aphonia.

Changes in voice pitch are common in young children as they grow through puberty (voice “breaking”).

They may also notice a difference in loudness and/or changes in how high or low their voice sounds (Pitch).

People suffering from hoarseness can experience a strained, husky or breathy voice.

Hoarseness or Dysphonia means a change in the sound of someone’s voice.

Laryngitis but not sick