A rapid access husky voice clinic: useful in diagnosing laryngeal pathology

A new established pilot husky voice clinic with agreed referral protocols for patients at risk of developing laryngeal malignancy was audited. Thirty-four patients were seen, 41.2 per cent having abnormal findings on flexible nasendoscopy, 29.4 per cent requiring rigid endoscopy, 38.1 per cent were discharged after the initial visit. One case of early laryngeal cancer was picked up during this period from this group of patients. The data for the remaining population in Portsmouth was examined, and a further eight cases of laryngeal cancer were diagnosed in keeping with national incidences. A rapid access clinic with agreed protocols that referring practitioners adhered to, was useful for diagnosing laryngeal cancer and should meet the requirements of the government's 14-day rule.