Laryngologists

Laryngologists are physicians who specialize in diseases and disorders of the larynx, or voice box. Often trained as otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors), laryngologists may pursue additional fellowship training focused on voice, airway, and swallowing disorders. The field encompasses medical management, endoscopic evaluation, and surgical treatment of conditions affecting voice quality, breathing, and swallowing.

Common conditions seen by laryngologists include hoarseness or dysphonia, chronic cough, throat pain, globus sensation, and swallowing difficulties. They also treat structural lesions of the vocal folds such as nodules, polyps, cysts, and edema, as well as inflammatory or reflux-related laryngeal disease, laryngeal cancer, laryngeal paralysis, and airway stenosis. In pediatric patients, laryngologists address congenital or acquired laryngeal disorders such as subglottic stenosis and laryngomalacia.

Assessment typically involves endoscopic examination of the larynx, sometimes with stroboscopy to assess vocal fold vibration, along with imaging and biopsy when indicated. Treatment may include voice therapy with speech-language pathologists, medical management for inflammation or reflux, and a range of surgical procedures such as microlaryngoscopy, laser surgery, injection laryngoplasty for vocal fold augmentation, and medialization thyroplasty for airway adequacy. Laryngologists often work as part of multidisciplinary teams with pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and voice-specialist therapists to optimize outcomes. The specialty emphasizes preservation of natural voice and airway function while addressing the patient’s broader health needs.