Laryngology
Throat, voice and swallowing care
Hoarseness, chronic cough, throat pain, reflux and swallowing difficulty are examined with laryngoscopy so the vocal cords can be seen directly. Care includes voice advice for teachers, singers and speakers, and microlaryngeal surgery when needed.
In short
When should you see a specialist?
Hoarseness that lasts more than three weeks should be checked with laryngoscopy, especially in smokers. Most causes are benign, such as nodules or reflux, but early examination rules out serious conditions.
- Hoarseness for more than 3 weeks
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Coughing or choking while eating
- A lump feeling that does not go away
- Noisy breathing or breathlessness
Conditions
Conditions we diagnose and treat
Voice disorders and hoarseness
Change in voice quality, strain or voice fatigue.
Vocal cord nodules and polyps
Benign swellings, common in heavy voice users.
Vocal cord paralysis
Weak or immobile vocal cords causing a breathy voice.
Laryngitis
Acute or chronic inflammation of the voice box.
Chronic cough
Cough lasting more than eight weeks with a throat cause.
Throat pain and irritation
Persistent soreness, clearing or a lump sensation.
Swallowing difficulty (dysphagia)
Food sticking, pain on swallowing or choking.
Aspiration
Food or liquid entering the airway.
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)
Acid reflux that irritates the throat and voice box.
Lesions of the larynx
Benign and malignant growths of the voice box.
Stridor and airway problems
Noisy breathing from narrowing of the airway.
Professional voice care
For singers, teachers, lawyers and other voice professionals.
Diagnosis
Tests available in the clinic
Testing in the same building means fewer trips and a diagnosis you can act on sooner.
- Laryngoscopy (vocal cord examination)
- Voice assessment
- Swallowing evaluation
- Biopsy when a lesion needs a diagnosis
Treatment
Procedures and surgeries
Treatment always starts with the least invasive option that works. These are the procedures offered when surgery is needed.
Microlaryngeal surgery (MLS)
Precise surgery on the vocal cords under a microscope.
Vocal cord polyp, nodule or cyst removal
Removing benign lesions to restore the voice.
Vocal cord lesion excision
Excision of suspicious or persistent lesions.
Laryngeal biopsy
Taking tissue to confirm the diagnosis.
Excision of laryngeal lesions
Removal of growths from the voice box.
Partial laryngectomy
Removing part of the voice box for selected cancers.
Total laryngectomy
Removing the voice box for advanced cancer, with voice rehabilitation.
Founder & Chief Consultant
Dr. Udayakumar, MBBS, MS (ENT)
ENT specialist in otology, rhinology, neurotology, hearing sciences, and vertigo and balance disorders. Former Senior Consultant in ENT at Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospital and Assistant Professor of ENT at Adhiparasakthi Medical College. Founder of Dr. Udaya’s ENT Wellness Centre (2018) and SAMANILAI Diagnostic & Therapeutic Centre (2023).
FAQ
Common questions
How long should hoarseness last before I see an ENT?
If your voice has been hoarse for more than three weeks, have your vocal cords examined. See a doctor sooner if you smoke, have pain, trouble swallowing or breathing, or a lump in the neck.
Can acid reflux cause throat problems without heartburn?
Yes. Laryngopharyngeal reflux often causes throat clearing, a lump sensation, hoarseness and cough without typical heartburn. It is common and usually managed with diet, lifestyle changes and medicine.
Do vocal cord nodules need surgery?
Usually not at first. Most nodules improve with voice therapy and good voice habits. Surgery is considered when they do not respond, or when the lesion looks like a polyp or cyst.
Related care
Other clinics you may need
Ear care (Otology)
Infections, discharge, wax, perforations, hearing loss and microscopic ear surgery.
Learn more
Nose & sinus (Rhinology)
Sinusitis, allergy, polyps, DNS, nosebleeds and endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).
Learn more
Head, neck & thyroid
Neck lumps, thyroid nodules, salivary glands, oral lesions and head and neck cancer.
Learn more
Talk to an ENT specialist in Tambaram
Consultations Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Call ahead or send an appointment request and the clinic team will confirm your slot.