Diagnosis begins treatment, but it is not only pharmacological-sometimes the patient also needs surgery, e.g. removal of one of the tonsils.
Thus, the laryngologist performs various physical examinations during the visit, m.in.:
- palpation of the salivary glands and lymph nodes in the head area;
- examination of the nose using a speculum – the Doctor assesses the condition of the nasal septum, nasal Concha and nasal mucosa;
- examination of the oral cavity and its vestibule, as well as the language of the tonsils, etc.;
- examination of the ears with a speculum-the laryngologist pays special attention to the auricles, auditory tubes and the state of the eardrum;
- examination of the larynx and nose using a mirror.
The laryngologist may also order additional tests if abnormalities are detected. They are usually:
- laboratory tests;
- swabs;
- photo X-ray;
- ultrasound examination;
- computed tomography;
- MRI;
- biopsy of suspicious lesions.
Check: when to operate the protruding ears?