Voice disorder diagnosis – Flexible Fiberoptic Laryngoscopy
At CornerStone Ear, Nose, & Throat we offer state-of-the-art diagnostic capabilities including flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy where a fiberoptic endoscope is used to visualize the vocal cords and also rigid videostroboscopy an advanced technique that provides a magnified view of the vocal cords in motion that is recorded and can be reviewed with our patients. Our physicians can help patients who suffer from chronic hoarseness, vocal fatigue, chronic cough, or restriction of their dynamic range of voice.
What are the different types of voice disorders?
Voice disorders fall into a few main categories: Structural, neurogenic, functional, and psychogenic. Often, a patient’s disorder may fit more than one category and the challenge lies in determining the primary cause.
Structural Disorders
With structural disorders there is a problem involving the tissue or fluids of the vocal cords. Examples can include nodules, polyps, ulcers, or other lesions on the vocal cords. These lesions can impair the normal vibration and function of the vocal cords which causes hoarseness.
Neurogenic Disorders
Neurogenic disorders are related to problems with the nervous system, including paralysis or weakness of the vocal cords, tremor, or other neurologic conditions. Patients with these conditions can also have difficulty swallowing and may be at risk for developing pneumonia due to aspiration which is when food that is swallowed goes down the wrong way and ends up in the lungs.
Functional Disorders
With functional disorders, the physical structure is normal but there is muscle tension due to improper use or strain causing muscle tension when vocalizing and preventing normal voice production.
Psychogenic Disorders
It is rare for a psychological disorder to be the sole cause for a voice problem, but a psychogenic component is often present because of the emotional impact a voice disorder can have.
What about cancer of the larynx?
Cancer of the larynx or any part of the throat is not considered a voice disorder. However, unexplained hoarseness is one of the warning signs of cancer and anyone with persistent hoarseness that does not resolve after 2 weeks should be evaluated by a physician.
What treatment options are available for voice disorders?
There are a variety of treatment options available depending on the patien’s specific condition. In many cases, treatment of underlying causes of laryngeal inflammation such as acid reflux and postnasal drainage are initiated. In patients who do not respond to conservative management microscopic vocal cord surgery can be performed to address structural lesions of the vocal cords. Voice therapy with a speech pathologist is also an important part of the treatment protocol for both surgical and nonsurgical patients to improve vocal technique and prevent recurrence of their symptoms.
