Throat and Neck
Why Throat Health Matters
The throat — the anatomical area that includes the pharynx, larynx, tonsils, and neck — plays a vital role in breathing, speaking, swallowing, and immune function.
Conditions such as hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, tonsillitis, neck swellings, or snoring may indicate underlying disorders.
Early evaluation by an ENT specialist can prevent complications and help restore quality of life.
Dr. Kosmidou’s Phonosurgical and Cervical Approach
Dr. Panagiota Kosmidou holds a PhD in Medicine from the University of Patras and a Master’s degree in Surgical Anatomy. She applies advanced techniques in microsurgery of the larynx and neck.
As the Director of the ENT – Head & Neck Surgery Center, she provides precise and comprehensive management of conditions related to voice, swallowing, and breathing. Her approach integrates both surgical and conservative treatments, always grounded in the latest scientific evidence.
Functions & Structure of the Throat
The throat includes:
- Pharynx – passageway for food and air.
- Larynx – contains the vocal cords.
- Tonsils / Adenoids – play a role in the immune system.
- Cervical lymph nodes & soft tissues – may detect or host inflammatory, benign, or malignant lesions.
Any disorder in these areas can cause symptoms such as hoarseness, pain, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or a palpable lump.
Symptoms Requiring Medical Evaluation
- Persistent hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Persistent sore throat
- Lump in the throat or neck
- Bleeding from the mouth or throat
- Snoring and sleep apnea
- Enlargement of tonsils or cervical lymph nodes
- External swellings or cysts
Non-Surgical Conditions & Conservative Management
- Acute / Chronic Tonsillitis – Pharyngitis
Managed with medication. Recurrent episodes or complications may indicate the need for a tonsillectomy. - Laryngitis / Voice Disorders
Inflammation, vocal strain, or benign lesions (polyps, nodules) can be treated with voice therapy, medication, or microsurgery. - Snoring / Sleep Apnea
Assessment of airway obstruction in combination with nasal and pharyngeal evaluation. Depending on the cause, conservative or surgical solutions may be recommended.
Surgical Procedures of the Pharynx & Larynx
Dr. Kosmidou performs specialized surgeries for throat conditions:
- Tonsillectomy – for recurrent tonsillitis or hypertrophy that obstructs breathing.
- Adenoidectomy – removal of adenoids in children, usually due to snoring or frequent ear infections.
- Laryngeal Microsurgery (Phonosurgery) – removal of polyps, nodules, cysts, or leukoplakia under a microscope.
- Frenulotomy of the Tongue / Lip – corrects speech, breastfeeding, or oral function issues.
- Incision of Peripharyngeal / Cervical Abscesses – immediate surgical intervention for inflammatory collections.
- Removal of Precancerous Oral Lesions – such as leukoplakia or erythroplakia at an early stage.
Voice Disorders & Phonosurgery
The voice is a vital tool for life and professional identity. Dr. Kosmidou specializes in the assessment and treatment of:
- Vocal cord polyps
- Nodules (vocal calluses)
- Cysts or laryngeal lesions
- Chronic hoarseness or vocal fatigue
She combines voice therapy with microsurgery, always maintaining the utmost respect for vocal function.
Neck Swellings & Lymph Nodes
Every lump in the neck requires careful evaluation:
- Benign cysts (thyroglossal, branchial)
- Inflamed lymph nodes
- Malignancies / Metastases
These cases often require ultrasound, imaging, and sometimes histological examination.
Breathing & Sleep – Snoring & Apnea
- Tonsillitis & Pharyngitis
- Lymph node enlargement
- Cysts & congenital neck anomalies
- Speech issues due to frenulum or hypertrophy
The approach is gentle, individualized, and child-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are tonsils removed?
When there are six or more episodes per year or related complications.
Is hoarseness always benign?
No. If it persists for more than 3 weeks, medical evaluation is necessary.
Is snoring in children normal?
Not always. It may be associated with adenoids or sleep apnea.
Do neck swellings go away on their own?
Sometimes, but they still require assessment.
When to Schedule a Visit
Contact the clinic for evaluation in cases such as:
- Persistent hoarseness or change in voice
- Frequent sore throat or difficulty swallowing
- Suspicious lump in the throat or neck
- Breathing difficulties or snoring
- Need for surgical assessment or treatment
Caring for your throat means caring for your voice, breathing, and overall quality of life.