Throat conditions
As a specialist ENT, Dr Setoaba has expertise in managing diseases of the throat, larynx (voice box), and the upper digestive tract or oesophagus.
Diagnosing throat problems
At your appointment, Dr Setoaba will carefully perform physical exams and review past medical records, as well as take imaging studies. She will also ask you about your symptoms and how your symptoms affect your life. If necessary, Dr Setoaba will order some diagnostic tests to gather more information.
The following diagnostic tests are used:
Flexible laryngoscopy. A thin, flexible, lighted scope is inserted into the throat to look at the larynx (voice box) and check for masses and vocal cord irregularities.
Throat biopsies. If Dr Setoaba sees a suspicious mass or unusual-issue in the throat, she may remove a sample and send it to the lab for testing.
Imaging tests. These include X-rays, CT scans and MRIs. The scans will help Dr Setoaba determine the extent and cause of your throat condition.
Common symptoms of throat problems
If you are experiencing one or more of the below symptoms, contact Dr Setoaba to schedule an appointment:
- Change in voice, such as muffled or altered speech or hoarseness
- Dry throat
- Itchiness or tickling in the throat
- Persistent irritation
- Phlegm or mucus buildup
- Sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing
- Swollen tonsils
- Throat lumps or growths
- Throat pain
- White patches on the tonsils and throat
Throat conditions treated
Dr Setoaba treats the following throat conditions
- Heartburn / Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Laryngeal Cancer (cancer of the larynx)
- Salivary Gland Diseases and Disorders
- Sore Throat
- Strep Throat
- Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)
- Tonsillitis
- Voice Disorders
- Laryngitis
- Thyroid problems
- Vocal Cord Paralysis
- Throat cancer
- Sleep apnea
Treatments offered for throat conditions
While some throat conditions can successfully be treated with medications, more serious cases will require surgery.
Dr Setoaba offers the following types of surgeries:
Tonsillectomy: The removal of tonsils for patients who have had recurrent or chronic tonsillitis
Uvulectomy: A surgical procedure in which all or part of the uvula is removed.
Vocal Cord Surgery: Vocal Cord Surgery is done if there is a concern about a growth or tumour on the cords or for various voice problems.
Laryngoscopy: An examination that lets Dr Setoaba look at the back of your throat, your vocal cords and voice box, with a tiny camera, called a laryngoscope.