Laryngology
The Ear Nose and Throat Clinic of the Northwest specializes in diagnosis and treatment of larynx (voicebox) disorders, voice restoration, laryngectomy, voice problems, breathing problems, laryngeal nodule or polyp removal, tumor removal, and the treatment of swallowing disorders. Procedures are listed in detail below.
Voice restoration
After a laryngectomy, the patient may find speech difficult. There are three main treatments that a speech therapist can teach to the patient. The first method is a voice prosthesis, which is a valve placed into the incision in the neck that was made during surgery. As the patient breathes, air is pushed from the lungs while a thumb or forefinger covers the valve, which allows for sound production. The second method is called esophageal speech, which can begin directly after surgery. Air is swallowed into the stomach, which vibrates the stomach walls, creating a low-pitched sound. After practice moving the tongue and lips while vibrating the stomach walls, it is possible to form words. The third method requires an electropharnyx, which is a portable device placed under the chin to make sound vibrations which can be formed into words. All of these methods take time and concentration to be able to restore the voice.
Laryngeal nodule or polyp removal
A laryngeal nodule can result from smoking or abuse of the voice. This nodule may not be malignant, but may ulcerate if allowed to grow. Laryngeal nodules can be removed with surgery.
Tumor removal
There are three main approaches to tumors. Surgery may be a possibility to remove the tumor. Radiation therapy can help to stop or impede the growth of the tumor. And lastly, a thorough examination by a physician may find that growth of the tumor will not reach a dangerous state while the patient is still alive. In other words, there is a possibility that the patient could outlive the tumor.
Swallowing disorders
Swallowing disorder involves any problem in passing food from inside the mouth to the stomach. This disorder could be caused by neurological disorders, a stroke, spinal or cerebral damage, or the presence of cancer. Treatment of swallowing disorder may include a change in diet, drug therapy, or in more severe situations, surgery.