We all know Rachael Ray, the outspoken chef.  Rachael, who hosts the syndicated talk/lifestyle program Rachael Ray along with two favorite Food Network series, 30 Minute Meals and Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels, has undergone minor vocal cord surgery.   Apparently, she has had a battle with hoarseness since last year or longer.  While watching her popular shows, the hoarseness in her voice has been very prevalent while she is heard speaking on her popular TV series.

In the beginning, Rachael’s doctor did not believe vocal cord surgery was the first step in treating her vocal cord problem.  Before opting for vocal cord surgery, she completed intensive vocal cord therapy for about two months to no avail.  Vocal cord therapy consists of teaching a person to take the strain off their vocal chords by improving breathing and reducing tension on vocal muscles.  Hoarseness is a common symptom of vocal cord problems.  Voice disorders often result from overuse of the vocal cords. The goal during vocal therapy is to reconstitute the structure of vocal folds.  One key factor in vocal cord therapy is to remain silent for a designated period of time.  Typically with voice therapy, small nodules, which are like calluses, are able to recede.  Many times the present cyst may require surgery, as in Rachael’s case.

To better understand vocal cord surgery, here is a brief explanation.  Vocal cords are two folds of smooth muscle which are located in the larynx.  The larynx is located at the very top of the windpipe, just below the back of the tongue.  When air passes through these vocal cords, they then vibrate which produces the sound of your voice.  When a cyst is present and does not get any better after vocal cord therapy, the cyst is then surgically removed per doctor‘s order.

In Rachael‘s personal case, the growth of her benign cyst was found right near her larynx. While the cyst was not said to be cancerous, leaving the benign cyst would prove to be more dangerous if left untreated. The surgery was a successful procedure and Rachael is said to be resting well while she heals at home. Rachael has been instructed by her doctor to remain silent for a week or so.

Sources say that Rachael is grateful and happy that she will not have to remain silent with Christmas time around the corner.  She is also very thankful for everyone’s prayers and get well wishes sent her way.   For a short period of time there is sure to be silence in the Ray household.  America can’t wait for Rachael to be back on our television screens so we can savor her delicious recipes and entertaining insights.