Evaluation of hoarseness and dysphonia

Diseases

Summary

Dysphonia, also known as hoarseness, is a general term used to describe a variety of changes in voice quality. Individuals with hoarseness or voice changes that fail to resolve or improve within a 4 week period should be referred for evaluation and visualization of the larynx.[1] [2]

Hoarseness is not normal in adults or children, and may be an indication of a serious underlying pathology. Evaluation should take place as early as possible whenever serious underlying cause is suspected, irrespective of timeframe.[3]

A wide variety of laryngeal and extralaryngeal conditions can cause hoarseness, and there are many challenges associated with its evaluation. Early identification of symptoms, by both the patient and physician, and visualization of the larynx are mandatory for diagnosis. However, confusion surrounding the terminology of the various laryngeal lesions and inadequate laryngeal visualization contribute to the difficulty in diagnosing hoarseness. Diagnosis and treatment are frequently delayed as a result of misdiagnosis or poor awareness of early voice changes.

Management of voice disorders requires specialized knowledge and a multidisciplinary team approach.

Citations

Key Articles

Stachler RJ, Francis DO, Schwartz SR, et al. Clinical practice guideline: hoarseness (dysphonia) (update). Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2018 Mar;158(1 Suppl):S1-42.[Abstract][Full Text]
Verdolini K, Rosen C, Branski R, eds. Classification manual for voice disorders: I. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc; 2005.

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