Diagnostic Laryngoscopy For Voice Disorders
A laryngoscopy is a procedure healthcare providers use to examine your larynx (voice box). This is performed with a laryngoscope, a thin tube with a light, lens and a video camera that helps providers look closely at your larynx. Providers may do laryngoscopies in a clinic office or as surgery in an operating room.
When would I need a laryngoscopy?
A laryngoscopy may be suggested by your doctor to identify issues like dysphonia (hoarseness) or laryngitis. Laryngoscopies may also be performed to identify more severe disorders like laryngeal cancer.
Diagnosis
Your health care provider will ask you about your voice problems and do an exam. Your provider might give you a numbing medicine before the exam. Your provider might use one or more of these tools:
- MirrorYour provider might put into your mouth an instrument like a dental mirror. It's long, and the mirror is angled.
- Rigid laryngoscope A provider puts this stiff viewing tube in through the mouth.