Recommended laryngologists

What is a laryngologist

A laryngologist is a specialized doctor in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases related to the larynx, vocal cords and the entire system responsible for voice production. This professional has in-depth knowledge about the anatomy and physiology of the larynx, understanding the complex interactions between muscles, cartilage and mucous membranes that enable human communication.

The specialty encompasses everything from simple conditions, such as hoarseness and minor vocal disorders, to more complex cases, including malignant tumors and serious diseases that compromise both voice and swallowing. The laryngologist works at the interface between otolaryngology, speech therapy and oncology, offering comprehensive care for vocal health.

Why you need to know this specialist

The importance of the laryngologist goes beyond treating simple vocal problems. This specialist plays a fundamental role in the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of conditions that can significantly impact your quality of life and professional career.

Problems such as persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, changes in vocal quality or more complex disorders can seriously affect your daily communication. For professionals who depend on their voice, such as singers, teachers, lawyers and announcers, these conditions can represent a direct risk to their career.

In addition, the laryngologist can identify serious conditions early, such as laryngeal cancer, which have a better prognosis when diagnosed in early stages. Specialized consultation ensures that any vocal problem is treated accurately and effectively, preventing future complications and promoting adequate recovery.

When to see a laryngologist: warning signs

Many people make the mistake of postponing seeking specialized help, hoping that symptoms will resolve spontaneously. Some signs deserve immediate attention, especially when they persist for more than two weeks.

Concerning vocal symptoms

Persistent hoarseness represents the main reason for consultation with a laryngologist. When the voice does not return to normal after a cold or period of intensive use, it may indicate vocal cord injuries that require specific treatment. Progressive voice loss, speech failures, changes in vocal timbre or extreme fatigue when speaking are signs that deserve immediate investigation.

Vocal instability manifests as tremulous voice, voice breaks in adults and sudden changes in vocal range. In some cases, they may indicate neurological conditions that affect muscular control of the larynx. These symptoms can significantly compromise quality of life and communication ability.

Respiratory and swallowing problems

Respiratory difficulties without apparent cause, especially when accompanied by respiratory noises, may indicate obstructions in the larynx. Frequent choking during meals or constant sensation of suffocation require urgent evaluation.

Persistent throat pain that does not improve with conventional treatments, difficulty swallowing or sensation of foreign body in the throat are symptoms that can indicate everything from serious inflammations to malignant lesions. Stridor, an acute respiratory noise, can signal narrowing of the upper airways and represents a medical emergency that requires immediate attention from a laryngologist.

Warning signs for laryngeal cancer

Some specific symptoms may indicate the presence of malignant tumors in the larynx. Progressive hoarseness that does not improve in six weeks, especially in smokers or people with a history of excessive alcohol consumption, should be investigated immediately. Ear pain without apparent otological cause, unexplained weight loss, increasing difficulty swallowing and appearance of palpable mass in the neck are signs that may indicate laryngeal cancer in more advanced stages.

Smoking and alcoholism are the main risk factors, but HPV infection has also been associated with supraglottic tumors in young non-smoking patients. Early diagnosis is fundamental for treatment success and preservation of vocal function.

Voice professionals: when career is at risk

Teachers, singers, announcers, lawyers and other professionals who depend on their voice face specific occupational risks. Inadequate use of voice, vocal cord overload or exposure to irritating factors can result in injuries that directly compromise professional performance.

The professional environment can be extremely harmful to vocal health. Rooms with excessive air conditioning, exposure to dust and chemicals, background noise that forces speaking louder, poor acoustics of environments and stress that affects laryngeal muscle tension are factors that contribute to the development of vocal injuries.

Teachers face unique challenges, including the need to project their voice for long periods, compete with classroom noise and deal with occupational stress. Many develop vocal nodules or polyps due to inadequate and excessive use of voice. Constant vocal overload without adequate protection techniques results in repetitive trauma to the vocal cords.

Professional singers need special care, as they use their voice at extremes of intensity and frequency. The laryngologist specialized in professional voice understands the specific demands of this activity and can guide techniques that preserve the longevity of the artistic career. Preventive monitoring is essential to identify early changes and implement vocal health preservation strategies.

How to choose the ideal laryngologist

The laryngologist must have training in otolaryngology with specific subspecialization in laryngology, certified by the Brazilian Association of Otolaryngology and Cervico-Facial Surgery. Continuing education is essential, as new surgical techniques and therapies constantly revolutionize this medical field.

Qualifications and certifications

Participation in international congresses, scientific publications in the area and frequent update courses are indicators of a professional committed to medical excellence. Many laryngologists also have international fellowships in world reference centers, adding knowledge of advanced techniques.

If you have a specific diagnosis or suspect a particular condition, look for professionals with proven experience in that area. Specialists focused on certain pathologies generally master more advanced and specific treatments. Expertise in areas such as professional voice, laryngeal oncology or minimally invasive surgery can make a significant difference in treatment outcome.

Laryngological exams: technology serving diagnosis

Laryngologists use advanced technology ranging from simple indirect laryngoscopy to sophisticated exams such as videolaryngoscopy and videolaryngostroboscopy. These technologies allow detailed analysis of vocal cord vibration and identification of microscopic lesions invisible to the naked eye.

Correct interpretation of these exams requires specialized medical expertise, considering the entire clinical history and establishing precise correlations between endoscopic findings and presented symptoms. The combination of different diagnostic methods allows complete evaluation of laryngeal function.

Videolaryngostroboscopy: the gold standard

Videolaryngostroboscopy represents the most advanced exam in vocal diagnosis. This revolutionary technology allows visualization of vocal cord vibration in slow motion, revealing subtle changes in mobility, symmetry and glottic closure that are fundamental for precise diagnosis.

During the exam, the patient emits sounds at different frequencies while a synchronized stroboscopic light illuminates the vocal cords. The result is an image showing the vocal cords vibrating slowly, allowing detailed analysis of each phase of the vibratory cycle. This exam is fundamental for diagnosing lesions in early stages and planning precise treatments.

Revolutionary treatments in modern laryngology

Minimally invasive therapies represent a revolution in the treatment of laryngeal conditions. These procedures cause less surgical trauma, significantly reduce recovery time and better preserve original vocal function. Each treatment is personalized according to the location and specific characteristics of the lesion, increasing success rates and minimizing post-operative complications.

Minimally invasive therapies

Techniques such as hyaluronic acid injections for hydration and volume of vocal cords, botulinum toxin for neurological disorders such as spasmodic dysphonia and biocompatible fillers for correction of structural defects allow treating various conditions without the need for open surgery, offering rapid symptom relief with minimal discomfort.

Laryngeal microsurgery

Microsurgery represents a potentially curative option for various laryngeal diseases, from benign lesions such as polyps, nodules and cysts to malignant tumors in early stages. Vocal polyps that do not respond to conservative treatment, mature nodules with significant fibrosis, epidermoid cysts and hemangiomas are some of the most common indications for microsurgery.

In cases of early vocal cord cancer, endoscopic laser cordectomy offers excellent oncological control with vocal preservation superior to radiotherapy in selected cases. The precision of microsurgery allows complete removal of the lesion while preserving as much surrounding healthy tissue as possible.

Vocal disorders: far beyond simple hoarseness

Vocal disorders constitute a diverse group of conditions that alter voice production and quality. The laryngologist differentiates between functional, organic, neurological disorders and those related to gastroesophageal reflux.

Functional disorders

Functional disorders result from inadequate use of voice without structural changes to the vocal cords. They include vocal fatigue, excessive muscle tension and inadequate breathing patterns. These disorders often respond well to speech therapy and behavioral changes, without the need for surgical intervention.

Organic disorders

Organic disorders involve structural changes to the vocal cords, including nodules, polyps, cysts, vocal cord paralysis and tumors. They require specific medical intervention and frequently multidisciplinary treatment involving laryngologist, speech therapist and other specialists as needed.

Vocal nodules are characterized by bilateral thickening of the vocal cords, resulting in hoarseness and significant vocal fatigue. Development is directly related to repetitive vocal trauma, being particularly common in professionals who do not use adequate vocal projection techniques.

Comprehensive treatment includes behavioral changes, specialized speech therapy and, when necessary, surgical intervention to restore vocal quality. The initial conservative approach is always preferable, reserving surgery for cases that do not respond to clinical treatment.

Neurological disorders

Neurological disorders affect nervous control of the larynx, including unilateral or bilateral vocal cord paralysis, spasmodic dysphonia and vocal tremor. Treatment may involve specific medications, botulinum toxin injections or surgery, depending on the specific condition and its severity.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux: the silent enemy of voice

Unlike common gastroesophageal reflux, laryngopharyngeal reflux may manifest only with vocal symptoms such as morning hoarseness, constant throat clearing or chronic dry cough, without apparent digestive symptoms. Chronic acid exposure causes inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa, resulting in edema, erythema and granuloma formation.

Challenging diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on the combination of clinical symptoms, laryngoscopic findings and response to treatment. 24-hour pH monitoring with dual sensor can confirm the presence of acid reflux in the pharynx, but is not always necessary for diagnosis. The Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and Reflux Finding Score (RFS) are validated tools that help in diagnosis and monitoring therapeutic response.

These findings can simulate other conditions, making diagnosis challenging and requiring clinical experience from the laryngologist for adequate differentiation from other pathologies that cause similar symptoms.

Spasmodic dysphonia: when neurological control fails

Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary spasms of laryngeal muscles during speech. It manifests as choppy, tense or whispered voice, depending on the specific type of condition.

Main types of spasmodic dysphonia

The adductor form, more common, causes spasms that excessively close the vocal cords, resulting in strangled and tense voice. The abductor form causes excessive separation of vocal cords, producing whispered voice with air escapes during speech.

Treatment with botulinum toxin

Injection of botulinum toxin into affected laryngeal muscles represents the gold standard treatment for spasmodic dysphonia. The procedure is performed through electromyography for precise location of target muscles, ensuring exact application of medication.

Results are temporary, lasting approximately 3 to 6 months, requiring periodic applications to maintain benefit. Vocal improvement is significant in most patients, allowing more effective communication and better quality of life.

Vocal cord paralysis: causes and solutions

Vocal cord paralysis can result from cervical surgeries, tumors, viral infections or idiopathic causes when the origin of the problem is not identified. Evaluation includes detailed clinical history, laryngoscopic examination and investigation of underlying cause through complementary exams when necessary.

Different clinical manifestations

Unilateral paralysis causes hoarseness and mild aspiration, while bilateral paralysis can cause severe respiratory difficulty, representing a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to maintain airways.

Specific treatment options

For unilateral paralysis, vocal medialization techniques such as type I thyroplasty, injection of biocompatible materials or laryngeal reinnervation can significantly restore vocal quality. In bilateral paralysis, procedures that widen glottic space such as arytenoidectomy or posterior cordotomy can improve breathing, although they may affect vocal quality.

Treatment choice depends on multiple factors, including cause of paralysis, evolution time, patient age and specific functional expectations.

Laryngeal cancer: early diagnosis saves lives

Treatment of laryngeal cancer involves a multidisciplinary team including laryngologist, oncologist, radiotherapist and speech therapist. Options include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or combinations of these modalities, depending on disease stage and tumor location.

Treatment strategies by stage

Early tumors can be treated with vocal preservation through endoscopic surgery or radiotherapy, offering excellent cure rates with maintenance of vocal function. Advanced cases may require total laryngectomy, with subsequent vocal rehabilitation through tracheoesophageal prostheses, esophageal voice techniques or electrolarynx.

The therapeutic decision considers not only oncological control, but also preservation of vocal function, swallowing and patient quality of life. Multidisciplinary follow-up is essential for optimization of post-treatment functional results.

The psychological impact of voice diseases

The modern laryngologist considers the emotional impact of vocal diseases, especially chronic conditions that affect communication. A complete approach includes not only treatment of physical manifestations, but also adequate psychological support to deal with emotional challenges related to voice loss or alteration.

Professionals who depend on voice face additional challenges, including performance anxiety and concerns about job security. Comprehensive treatment offers adequate coping strategies for these specific situations, considering the social and professional impact of vocal condition.

Voice loss can profoundly affect personal and professional identity, requiring sensitive and understanding approach from the medical team. Psychological support integrated with medical treatment significantly improves results and patient adaptation.

Voice prevention and care

Adequate hydration is fundamental to maintain vocal cord lubrication. It is recommended to consume at least 2 liters of water per day, avoiding caffeinated or alcoholic beverages in excess that can cause dehydration. Vocal warm-up before intensive voice use and relaxation techniques after prolonged periods of speech protect against overload injuries.

Hydration and basic care

Adequate vocal rest is as important as correct voice use. Periods of silence allow recovery of laryngeal structures, especially after intensive use or during episodes of vocal cord irritation.

Environmental care

Environments with dry air, pollution or irritating chemicals can significantly harm vocal health. The use of humidifiers, especially during winter, helps maintain upper airways adequately hydrated. Avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke, cleaning products with strong odor and environments with poor air quality protects laryngeal structures.

Voice education and training

Learning correct breathing techniques, vocal projection and posture can prevent most occupational vocal injuries. Voice professionals should receive specific training in vocal hygiene and voice preservation techniques, including vocal warm-up and cool-down exercises.

Diaphragmatic breathing techniques, adequate posture to facilitate vocal production and strategies for efficient voice use are fundamental for injury prevention. Early recognition of vocal fatigue signs allows intervention before more serious injuries develop.

Prevention is always the best treatment, and investment in vocal education can prevent most occupational vocal injuries. Collaboration between laryngologist and speech therapist is essential for effective vocal prevention and rehabilitation programs.

How AvaliaMed can help find the best laryngologist for your case

Choosing the appropriate laryngologist is essential to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. AvaliaMed is the ideal platform to find qualified and experienced laryngologists, prepared to meet the specific needs of each patient.

Through AvaliaMed, users have access to a network of laryngology specialists, providing an easy, safe and efficient way to schedule appointments. The platform allows patients to choose among highly qualified doctors, based on evaluations from other patients and subspecialties of each professional, ensuring that the care received is most appropriate for each individual case.