ΕNDOSCOPIC EVALUATION CASTS LIGHT ON THE VOICE’S AILMENTS
The voice is one of the main ways of communicating and a part of our personality. As the larynx is responsible for the functions of phonation, swallowing and respiration every inflammation of the larynx and pharynx can affect the quality of our voice. A hoarse voice may be caused by laryngitis, gastroesophageal reflux, smoking, alcohol, air conditioning, talking loudly or inhaling irritants. Recently, endoscopic evaluation in combination with stroboscopy has led to a more comprehensive diagnosis of the pathology of the larynx. The most common findings are polyps of the vocal cords, nodules, cysts, Reinke’s oedema, papilloma and less often cancer. The appropriate treatment is usually a combination of pharmaceutical and surgical treatment. Nowadays minimally invasive surgery by means of endoscopic laser surgery and robotic surgery is the best choice for benign and early stages of larynx cancer.
ANATOLI PATARIDOU | ENT Head & Neck Surgeon | Kids & Adults Scientific Associate of HYGEIA – MITERA Hospital
