Laryngology is a subspecialty within otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat, or ENT) that focuses on disorders of the larynx, your “voice box.” Located in the front of your neck, the larynx contains the vocal cords and is responsible for producing sounds (your voice) and swallowing. Because the larynx is the opening to the windpipe, it also plays a key role in your airway.
If you or a family member is dealing with voice or swallowing problems, it’s important to know that Cooper’s Division of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for children and adults with these issues.
In addition, while we say we treat professional voice disorders, this doesn’t mean you must be a professional singer or speaker to benefit from our services. This actually refers to anyone who uses their voice for work, and there are certain professions that are at higher risk for voice disorders because they use their voice so much. This includes teachers, salespeople and customer service representatives.
With a team of fellowship-trained ENT specialists, Cooper is uniquely qualified to offer expert medical and surgical care for voice and swallowing problems.
Why Choose Cooper for Laryngology and Professional Voice Care?
With our advanced training, we’re able to treat patients with complex conditions that other centers may not be equipped to deal with. Our capabilities include:
- Sophisticated diagnostic resources: We use today’s most advanced imaging technology and other tests to ensure timely, accurate diagnosis
- Minimally invasive surgical techniques: Our ENT surgeons use today’s most advanced techniques such as transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and transoral laser microsurgery (TOLM), for less pain after surgery and faster recovery times
- A dedicated surgical team: Our ENT surgeons and advanced practice nurses focus exclusively on patients with head and neck disorders, a level of specialization that’s unrivalled in South Jersey
- The advantages of a teaching hospital: As part of this region’s only tertiary-care, academic health system, Cooper’s ENT specialists teach the next generation of otolaryngologists—a testament to the knowledge and expertise they bring to your care
The Voice and Swallowing Conditions We Treat
Our fellowship-trained ENT specialists treat the full range of illnesses and injuries that can affect the larynx, including
- Dysphagia (trouble swallowing)
- Foreign bodies in the airway
- Laryngeal cancer
- Laryngitis: An inflammation or swelling of the vocal cords
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux (also called gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD), which can cause hoarseness
- Vocal cord disorders including nodules, polyps, cysts, hemorrhage, stenosis (narrowing of the vocal cord airway), and paralysis
- Voice disorders such as hoarseness, spasmodic dysphonia, articulation difficulties, and laryngomalacia
Treatments for Laryngeal Conditions
While treatment for conditions that affect the larynx vary depending on the diagnosis, you can feel confident that the full range of therapeutic options is available here at Cooper, so care can be tailored to your condition, age, and profession. These options include:
- Minimally invasive microlaryngeal surgery to treat nodules, polyps, tumors or cysts
- Airway reconstructive surgery
- Radiation therapy and chemotherapy, in collaboration with Cooper’s Oncology Division, to treat laryngeal cancer
- Surgery to remove foreign bodes in the trachea, esophagus, or pharynx
- Therapy with a speech-language pathologist for voice and swallowing problems
Contact Us
To learn more about the services available in the Division of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery or to schedule an appointment, please call 856.342.3113.