- Johar Town, Lahore
- Mon - Sun 24/7
Dr. Sajid Iqbal
ENT Specialist · Lahore
Your voice is produced by two vocal cords in the larynx (voice box) vibrating against each other. Anything that changes their surface, movement or closure changes the sound: swelling from a cold or shouting, nodules from overuse, polyps, acid reflux irritating the larynx, nerve weakness, or — rarely but importantly — a growth. Teachers, lawyers, call-centre staff, imams, singers and anyone who talks for a living are the most affected.
Dr. Sajid Iqbal assesses every persistent voice change with direct visualisation of the vocal cords, so treatment is based on what is actually there rather than a guess.
A detailed voice history (occupation, smoking, reflux symptoms, how the voice is used) followed by flexible or rigid laryngoscopy — a thin camera passed through the nose or mouth that shows the vocal cords moving in real time. It is done in clinic with local anaesthetic spray and takes a few minutes. Where available, videostroboscopy shows the vibration pattern in slow motion and distinguishes nodules, polyps, cysts and scarring. A CT or MRI is arranged only if a growth or nerve problem is suspected.
Microlaryngoscopy — removal of polyps, cysts or nodules that have not responded to voice therapy, performed under general anaesthesia through the mouth using a microscope and fine instruments; no external cuts, usually a day-case. Biopsy of any suspicious lesion. Vocal cord injection (medialisation) for a paralysed cord to restore a stronger voice. Dr. Sajid performs these at [Hospital] and refers on to voice therapy for recovery.
History, examination and a look at the vocal cords, usually at the first visit. You see the images and the diagnosis is explained.
Benign swelling or reflux: medical treatment and vocal hygiene. Nodules or strain: voice therapy referral. Polyp, cyst or suspicious lesion: surgery scheduled.
20–40 minutes under general anaesthesia at [Hospital]. Home the same day.
Complete voice rest for 3–7 days after surgery, then gradual return under therapist guidance.
Repeat laryngoscopy at 4–6 weeks to confirm healing and voice recovery.
Consultation fee: PKR 4000. Microlaryngoscopy and injection procedures are quoted in writing after examination.
Ready to get it sorted? Book a consultation with Dr. Sajid Iqbal at Horizon Hospital, Johar Town, Lahore — call 0321 4496160 or WhatsApp.
Three weeks. Hoarseness after a cold settles within 1–2 weeks. Anything beyond three weeks — or sooner if you smoke, have a neck lump, or trouble swallowing — should be examined with laryngoscopy.
No. A numbing spray is used and the flexible scope passes gently through the nose. Most patients describe it as odd rather than uncomfortable, and it takes two to three minutes.
Usually, yes. Nodules in particular respond well to voice therapy and vocal hygiene. Surgery is reserved for polyps, cysts or nodules that persist after a proper course of therapy.
Very commonly. Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) sends small amounts of stomach acid up to the larynx, often without heartburn. It causes morning hoarseness, throat clearing and a lump-in-throat feeling, and is treated with diet changes and medication.
In a small minority of cases, particularly in smokers over 40. That is exactly why persistent hoarseness is examined rather than treated blindly — early laryngeal cancer is highly curable when caught at this stage.
Same-week appointments at Horizon Hospital, Johar Town, Lahore.
Timings: Mon – Sun 24/7
Consultation Fee: PKR 4000
Dr. Sajid Iqbal, MBBS, MS-ENT, is a consultant ENT surgeon with 20+ years of experience treating patients in Lahore. Read his profile →
Clinic in Johar Town, Lahore, Mon – Sun 24/7