Laryngocele

Hoarseness, a feeling that there is something caught in the throat, dry COUGH, and a soft lump visible on the external throat are among the most common symptoms. A large laryngocele can cause stridor (a high-pitched noise with inhalation) and difficulty swallowing. The diagnostic path typically includes COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) SCAN or MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) of the throat and laryngoscopy (examining the inside of the throat through a lighted, flexible scope). Because a laryngocele presents a prime opportunity to trap BACTERIA that cause INFECTION as well as the potential to interfere with BREATHING and swallowing, the treatment of choice is an OPERATION through an incision in the neck to close or remove the laryngocele.