What diseases can be detected with a laryngoscopy?

Generally, laryngoscopy refers to pharyngolaryngeal endoscopy. Pharyngolaryngeal endoscopy can detect diseases such as epiglottic cysts, vocal cord polyps, vocal nodules, pharyngitis, and laryngeal cancer. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Epiglottic Cysts

Epiglottic cysts are cysts occurring beneath the mucosa of the epiglottis and represent a special type of laryngeal cyst. During pharyngolaryngeal endoscopy, the cysts in the epiglottic region can be clearly observed, allowing assessment of their size, location, and relationship with surrounding tissues. Epiglottic cysts typically do not cause significant symptoms, but if large, they may compress surrounding tissues, causing throat discomfort or difficulty swallowing.

2. Vocal Cord Polyps

Vocal cord polyps are common benign lesions of the vocal cords, characterized by hoarseness and rough voice. During pharyngolaryngeal endoscopy, a polypoid elevation at the junction of the anterior and middle portions of the vocal cords can be clearly observed, which is a typical presentation of vocal cord polyps. Pharyngolaryngeal endoscopy also enables physicians to evaluate the size and morphology of the polyps, providing important information for subsequent treatment.

3. Vocal Nodules

Vocal nodules typically present as small nodule-like protrusions at the junction of the anterior and middle portions of the vocal cords. Pharyngolaryngeal endoscopy allows direct visualization of these nodules, leading to a definitive diagnosis. Vocal nodules can also cause symptoms such as hoarseness and rough voice, which may significantly affect patients' daily life and work.

4. Pharyngitis

Pharyngolaryngeal endoscopy can also detect inflammatory changes such as congestion and edema of the pharyngeal mucosa, aiding in the diagnosis of acute pharyngitis. It can also reveal chronic congestion, thickening, and lymphoid follicle hyperplasia of the pharyngeal mucosa, assisting in the diagnosis of chronic pharyngitis. Both conditions can cause symptoms such as throat pain and hoarseness, significantly affecting patients' quality of life.

5. Laryngeal Cancer

Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor of the larynx, and pharyngolaryngeal endoscopy is one of the methods for diagnosing laryngeal cancer. Through pharyngolaryngeal endoscopy, physicians can observe pathological changes in the larynx, such as redness, ulcers, and masses, thereby making a preliminary assessment of the possibility of laryngeal cancer.

It is recommended to consume mainly cooling and neutral foods in daily life and to avoid irritants such as garlic, chili peppers, and alcoholic beverages, as these may exacerbate mucosal congestion and inflammation in the throat. Additionally, smoking should be avoided and alcohol consumption limited to maintain a healthy lifestyle.