A test that looks inside the throat? Let's learn about this laryngoscopy?

Do you sometimes feel like something is stuck in your throat, or your voice is hoarse, and it doesn't go away after a week or two? At such times, your doctor may ask you to take a closer look inside your throat. That's what we call a laryngoscopy. Although the name sounds like a big, complicated thing, it's actually very simple and can be done quickly. So let's talk about it in a few details to eliminate all your fears and questions.

What exactly is laryngoscopy?

Simply put, this is an examination of your larynx , the "voice box" that makes your voice when you speak. The doctor uses a special instrument called a laryngoscope . It's like a very thin tube. It has a small light, a lens, and sometimes a small video camera on the end. This camera allows the doctor to see clearly what's inside your throat on a monitor.

So where is this larynx?

Imagine that there are two paths inside our throat. One is the path that leads to the stomach when we swallow food and drink, which is the esophagus . The other is the path that leads to the lungs when we breathe, which is the trachea . The larynx is located above the beginning of the trachea.

The vocal cords that help us speak and sing are also located inside this larynx. And above this is a small flap called the epiglottis . When we swallow food or water, this flap closes and blocks the airway. That's why food and drink go straight to the stomach instead of going to the lungs. Sometimes when we talk while eating, we say "it went down the wrong pipe," because at that time a piece of food went into the windpipe before this flap closed properly. Do you understand? So those are the important parts that are examined during a laryngoscopy.

So, when is this test needed?

There are several reasons why a doctor might order this test. It's not something that's done just for everyone with a sore throat.

• Hoarseness (Dysphonia): If there is a change in your voice that does not improve within a few weeks.
• A persistent sore throat: If you have a sore throat that doesn't go away even after taking medicine.
• Difficulty swallowing: If you feel like you are choking when swallowing food or drink.
• If you have a persistent cough or cough up blood.
• If you feel like something is stuck in your throat.
• If you have difficulty breathing.
• Sometimes this test is also performed to confirm a serious condition, such as laryngeal cancer , if there is a suspicion.

Who is doing this test?

This test is performed by Otolaryngologists (head and neck surgeons) . We usually call them ENT surgeons. They are the ones who know the most about this field and are trained to use this equipment. So you can be sure that you are in the best hands.

Okay, now let's see how we cope with this test.

There are two main methods of performing this test. Depending on your condition, your doctor will decide which method is best for you. Let's clearly understand the difference between these two methods.

Are there any risks in this?

There are no significant risks associated with the Flexible Laryngoscopy test performed in the clinic. It is a very safe test.

The procedure, performed under anesthesia in the operating room, is generally very safe. However, as with any surgery, there are some rare complications that can occur.

• Reaction to anesthesia.
• There is a possibility of minor damage to the teeth when inserting the device into the mouth.
• Numbness of the tongue or temporary change in taste.
• Hoarseness of the voice (this usually improves within a few days).
• Bleeding from the throat (this happens very rarely).

If you have any concerns about these things, talk to your doctor about them openly before the test. He or she will explain everything to you.

Is it true that sometimes a biopsy is also taken?

Yes, that's right. If the doctor sees something suspicious in your larynx during the exam, such as a small lump, they may take a small piece of tissue and send it to the lab to find out exactly what it is. That's what's called a biopsy . This is done with a small, forceps-like instrument that's passed through the laryngoscope. A biopsy is usually taken during an exam in the operating room. So you won't feel any pain.

Is this the same as an endoscopy?

This is a question that many people ask. Both laryngoscopy and endoscopy involve inserting a tube with a camera attached to it and looking inside the body.

But the difference is in the way you look.

• Laryngoscopy is an examination specifically to look at the larynx (voice box) .
• Endoscopy is a broader term. We usually use endoscopy to refer to a test that looks at the stomach (Gastroscopy). And colonoscopy is used to refer to a test that looks at the large intestine (colon). These are all types of endoscopy.

Simply put, every laryngoscopy is a type of endoscopy, but not every endoscopy is a laryngoscopy.

How long does it take to get the results? When should I talk to the doctor?

If you have the test done at the clinic, the doctor will tell you the results as soon as they are done. That means you can know the results immediately .

However, if a biopsy is done in the operating room, it can take a few days for the tissue sample to be examined and the report to be received. Once the report is received, the doctor will call you and explain the details.

Usually, there are no major problems after these tests. However, if you experience any of the symptoms below, you should talk to your doctor immediately.

These things happen very rarely, but it's important to be aware of them.

Laryngoscopy, throat examination, hoarseness, larynx, ENT, throat, nose, dysphonia