Laryngoscopy

If you have a hoarse voice or throat discomfort that won’t go away, a laryngoscopy could provide the answers you need. At AudioCare in the Algarve, our ENT specialist offers thorough yet gentle vocal cord examinations to help diagnose the cause of your voice or throat issues. Importantly, we focus on diagnosis – giving you clarity about what’s wrong, so you can take the right steps to address it.

Laryngoscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to examine your larynx (voice box) and vocal cords. By looking directly at your vocal cords, the doctor can see how they move and check for any swelling, growths, or other abnormalities.

There are two main forms of laryngoscopy: indirect and direct. The indirect approach is done in the clinic while you are awake – using a small mirror or, more commonly, a flexible fibre-optic scope through your nose to see your vocal cords. The direct approach is done under general anaesthetic in a hospital (with a larger rigid scope) and is usually only needed if a very detailed look or a surgical procedure (like a biopsy) is required. At AudioCare, we only perform indirect laryngoscopy – the simple outpatient exam. We do not conduct the surgical direct laryngoscopy, but if you ever need that, we will refer you to the appropriate specialist. Our goal is to provide a safe, accurate diagnosis using the least invasive method.

When is it recommended?

You might be advised to have a laryngoscopy if you have persistent throat or voice symptoms that cannot be explained otherwise, such as

• Persistent hoarseness: If your voice has been hoarse, raspy, or weak for more than two weeks, you should have your vocal cords checked. Most short-term hoarseness gets better on its own. But if it lasts longer, especially with no obvious cause, a laryngoscopy can check for issues like vocal cord nodules, polyps, or signs of something more serious. (In fact, UK guidelines say anyone over 45 with unexplained hoarseness for over 3 weeks should see an ENT specialist promptly.)

• Persistent throat discomfort (“lump in throat” sensation, chronic cough or throat pain): If you constantly feel like there is something stuck in your throat or have a long-lasting unexplained throat irritation or cough, a laryngoscopy can check for inflammation or any abnormal tissue in your larynx that might be causing it.

• Risk factors or worrisome signs: If you are a smoker or heavy alcohol user and develop hoarseness, it’s very important to get a laryngoscopy rather than just waiting for it to go away. Tobacco and alcohol use increase the risk of laryngeal cancer. Likewise, if you have other warning signs like a lump in the neck, trouble breathing, or coughing up blood, a prompt laryngoscopy is crucial to investigate the cause.

In summary, laryngoscopy is an invaluable tool whenever there’s an ongoing, unexplained problem with your voice or throat. It can detect a range of issues – from relatively minor problems (like irritation from acid reflux or benign vocal cord nodules that may just need voice therapy) to more serious conditions (like a tumour) that benefit from early detection. Knowing what’s going on brings peace of mind and guides the next steps for treatment.

What to expect from the examination

Quick and simple: An indirect laryngoscopy at AudioCare is an outpatient test that usually takes only a few minutes. No special preparation is needed on your part. When you arrive, our ENT specialist will first discuss your symptoms and medical history. Then, to perform the exam, they will gently insert the flexible laryngoscope through your nose (after using a numbing spray to make you comfortable). The sensation might be a bit strange – you may feel the urge to cough or your eyes might water slightly – but it should not be painful. We often ask you to make certain sounds (like saying “eeeee”) or to swallow, so we can see how your vocal cords move during the test.

During and after the procedure: Once the examination is over (it’s very brief), the scope is removed. If a numbing spray was used, your throat might feel slightly numb for about 20–30 minutes – during that time, we’ll ask you to avoid eating or drinking until feeling returns. We will explain the results to you immediately: for example, letting you know if your vocal cords appeared healthy or if we observed any redness, swelling, or unusual growth.

Because AudioCare’s service is focused on diagnosis, we will also discuss what the findings mean and what to do next. If everything looks normal, that’s reassuring news – we might then explore other possible causes for your symptoms or give advice on voice care and follow-up. If the exam shows an issue that requires further action (for instance, a suspicious lesion that might need a biopsy, or severe inflammation that needs treatment), we will explain those next steps clearly. This could include referring you to a hospital ENT surgeon or advising you on a treatment plan with your GP. In any case, you will leave the appointment knowing exactly what was observed and with a plan for moving forward. The good news is that indirect laryngoscopy is very safe. Complications are rare – at most, a minor nosebleed or slight sore throat might occur briefly. Most people handle the procedure well and appreciate getting immediate answers about their throat.