If you live in Philadelphia or Phoenixville and would like more information on throat surgery, contact an ear, nose, and throat doctor at the office of Drs. Broker, Cramer, and Swanson.
826 Main Street
Suite 201
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 19460
Tel: 610-415-1100
Fax: 610-415-1101
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1201 County Line Road
Suite 101
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010
Tel: 610-520-0900
Fax: 610-520-0920
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525 Jamestown St
Suite 205
Philadelphia, PA 19128
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5 South Sunnybrook Road
Suite 300
Pottstown, Pennsylvania 19464
Tel: 610-326-3600
Fax: 610-326-4466
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255 Gordon Drive
Suite 101
Lionville, PA 19341
Tel: 610-524-5300
Fax: 610-524-0100
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525 Jamestown St
Suite 205
Philadelphia, PA 19128
Philadelphia and Phoenixville — Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor — Throat Treatment
While they may at first appear to be just irritating impositions, complaints such as sore throats, hoarseness, and swallowing disorders can sometimes be symptoms of life-threatening conditions. There are a number of common throat ailments that patients should be aware of, along with their causes and symptoms. At Broker, Cramer & Swanson; Ear, Nose & Throat, Philadelphia and Phoenixville-area residents can find an ear, nose, and throat doctor knowledgeable about a wide range of symptoms and highly trained in surgical procedures for the throat.
- Sore Throat
- Hoarseness
- Swallowing Disorder
- Laryngitis
- Vocal Cord Lesions
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease
- Vocal Cord Paralysis
- Laryngeal Cancer
- Throat Cancer
Sore Throat
Because a sore throat can be a symptom of a variety of conditions — including viral or bacterial infections, allergies, or tumors — it is important to see a doctor if symptoms become severe, last for prolonged periods of time, or are accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing, fever, persistent hoarseness, joint pain, or a lump in the neck. Residents of Philadelphia and Phoenixville can speak to a board-certified ear, nose, and throat doctor at Broker, Cramer & Swanson. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
Hoarseness
Hoarseness refers to a state in which the voice becomes raspy and faint that, if persistent, may be a symptom of a more serious condition. The common cold, flu, laryngitis, vocal cord polyps, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and thyroid problems are all conditions that can induce hoarseness as a symptom. If hoarseness persists longer than two weeks or if it is accompanied by bloody coughs or difficulty swallowing, medical help should be sought immediately.
Swallowing Disorder
Difficulty swallowing is commonly caused by colds and can also be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux. In rare cases, a neurological disorder or a tumor may be to blame. Often, changing one's diet can provide relief. However, if difficulty swallowing becomes persistent, it may be necessary to seek medical advice. An ear, nose, and throat doctor at our practice can evaluate your symptoms.
Laryngitis
An inflammation of the larynx (voice box), laryngitis may be caused by a viral infection, irritation, or overuse of the vocal chords. Often, the best treatment for laryngitis is to rest the voice and drink plenty of liquids. Since there is a risk of complications associated with laryngitis, possibly including the development of polyps or cysts, it is important not to ignore this condition.
Vocal Cord Lesions
Overuse or misuse of one's voice or trauma to the vocal cords can cause the growth of lesions. Also called vocal nodules, these lesions can be compared to calluses in that they result from repetitive abrasive force. Often, these non-cancerous lesions can be treated by resting the voice or undergoing speech therapy to correct misuse. Other types of lesions, such as polyps or cysts, may require surgical removal by a qualified ear, nose, and throat doctor if the growths prove unresponsive to nonsurgical options.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease
Movement of the stomach's acid into the esophagus that causes chronic irritation is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Patients with this disorder frequently experience heartburn. Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) occurs when stomach acid moves into and irritates the throat and voice box, causing throat irritation and hoarseness. Since heartburn symptoms often do not accompany LPRD, this disease is more difficult to diagnose. At our Philadelphia or Phoenixville locations, a skilled ear, nose, and throat doctor can diagnose and treat both of these conditions.
Vocal Cord Paralysis
A paralyzed vocal chord may be characterized by a soft or weak voice; noisy and/or difficult breathing, meanwhile, may indicate that both vocal chords have been immobilized. Known causes include viral infection and surgery of the neck or cheek area. While this condition usually resolves itself, permanent vocal cord paralysis may require speech therapy or sometimes surgery. Residents of Phoenixville, Philadelphia, and the surrounding areas can contact our practice to learn more about vocal cord paralysis.
Laryngeal Cancer
Laryngeal (voice box) cancer is a deadly disease that is largely preventable. Exposure to known cancer-causing substances is responsible for approximately 90 percent of head and neck cancers. This type of cancer is called squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA). Risk factors for laryngeal SCCA include smoking, alcohol consumption, acid reflux, asbestos exposure, and certain viruses, including human papilloma virus (HPV). Of these, smoking is perhaps the greatest risk factor. Over 95 percent of patients with laryngeal SCCA are smokers.
Throat Cancer
When the disease is diagnosed early, patients with throat cancer have better than a 90 percent chance of recovery. Persistent hoarseness, roughness, or other voice changes can be symptoms of throat cancer. Individuals with these symptoms should immediately be examined by an experienced ear, nose, and throat doctor.
Contact an Experienced Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor
At Broker, Cramer & Swanson; Ear, Nose & Throat, residents of Philadelphia and Phoenixville can schedule an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat doctor with extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of throat disorders and conditions.