MADE IN Chelsea star Sam Thompson has revealed he’s undergoing surgery which will leave him unable to speak.
The reality TV favourite, 33, made his stark confession on his Staying Relevant podcast with BFF Pete Wicks, 37.
The pair had a de-brief about their festive periods before talk turned to their health.
Pete, who has spoken previously about issues with his vision and his eye, told how he was heading for an appointment this month.
He had taken a tumble at home during the festive period and, after missing a scheduled appointment last month, is heading for advice.
After his reveal, Sam chipped in: “That’s two men who are going for surgery this year,” before Pete clarified: “Yes, because Sam …
“I don’t know if we are allowed to talk about it, it was one of the announcements we were going to wait for later, Sam is looking to go into music.
“So he is having some surgery on his vocal chords.”
Sam gave the game away that the potential music career was pure banter and repeated: “Music?”
Then becoming serious, Pete said: No, you’re having vocal chord surgery?”
Sam replied: “Yeah, I genuinely am.
“I’ve got a cyst on my vocal chords.
“I’m having that taken out, which is going to be mad because it means I have three days of vocal rest.”
A vocal cord cyst is a benign lesion which may cause a hoarse voice.
They often occur in those who over-use their voice, such as singers, professional speakers and broadcasters and the cysts happen when glands that produce mucus in the throat get blocked up.
Signs of disease in the mouth
BAD breath and mouth ulcers are common occurrences.
But they may signal an underlying health problem, too.
Dr Rahul Nehra, Lead Dentist at The Smile Gallery, warns of the symptoms in your mouth that should never be ignored.
BLEEDING GUMS
PERSISTENT bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing, can indicate gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
This is often caused by plaque buildup along the gumline, leading to inflammation and potential tissue damage.
It’s essential to address bleeding gums promptly to prevent further complications like gum recession and tooth loss.
For bleeding gums, proper oral hygiene is crucial, along with professional dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
BAD BREATH
Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, can be a sign of various dental issues, including poor oral hygiene, gum disease or cavities.
But it could be an underlying health problem such as diabetes or gastrointestinal issues.
Dental check-ups can help identify and address the root cause of bad breath, such as gum disease.
Improving bad breath typically involves maintaining good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice daily, flossing, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash.
LUMPS AND SORES
WHILE occasional mouth sores are common and often harmless, persistent lumps or sores that don’t heal within two weeks could be signs of more serious conditions such as oral cancer.
Other concerning signs include white or red patches, numbness, or difficulty moving the jaw. If you notice any of these symptoms, seeing a dentist or doctor for further evaluation is crucial.
Sores in the mouth may benefit from topical treatments or medications prescribed by a dentist or doctor, while monitoring for any signs of infection or malignancy.
WOBBLY TEETH
LOOSE teeth can indicate advanced gum disease or untreated tooth decay.
Without prompt intervention, this can lead to tooth loss and bone deterioration.
Seeking dental care as soon as possible can help preserve remaining teeth, possibly through procedures like scaling and root planing or dental restorations.
SWALLOWING DIFFICULTY
DIFFICULTY swallowing, also known as dysphagia, can be caused by various factors, including oral infections, inflamed tonsils, or even more severe issues like throat cancer.
If you experience persistent difficulty swallowing or a sensation of something stuck in your throat, it’s essential to seek medical or dental attention promptly for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
CROAKY VOICE
A CROAKY or hoarse voice can result from various conditions affecting the throat or vocal cords, including acid reflux, respiratory infections, or vocal cord nodules or polyps.
In some cases, poor oral hygiene or throat irritation can also contribute to voice changes.
If you experience persistent hoarseness or voice changes, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.
Addressing a croaky voice may involve lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding irritants like tobacco smoke or excessive vocal strain.
According to NHS after-care advice from London-based Guys and St Thomas’, they state: “For the first three days after the operation, we recommend that you do not speak or use your voice at all.
“This is to allow healing time for the surface of your vocal cord or cords around the site of the surgery.”
They state whispering, laughing or humming should also be avoided.
SAM’S SURGERY
Fans will no doubt be left disappointed by the after-effects of his surgery, as Sam tends to spill all the juicy detail in his podcast chats.
Recently, after months of dating, Sam announced at the beginning of December that he and girlfriend Talitha Balinska had made things “official”.
Speaking to Pete on their podcast, Sam confirmed they had taken their romance to the next level.
He said excitedly: “I’ve got a girlfriend. I’ve got a girlfriend!”
Sam then revealed the moment he asked Talitha out on a dinner date, explaining: “Yeah, I just, I just said, ‘Look, I really like you. I mean, I really, really like you and you make me feel really… comfortable.’”
Continuing, the star said: “You know, I wouldn’t be dating someone this amount of time if I didn’t think it had legs to last.
“So will you be my girlfriend?’ And she said ‘yes’. And so I said, ‘great’”.
Yet fans recently suspected the pair had split following a cryptic message from Sam on his page.