Head and Neck Services

Adenoidectomy

Like the tonsils, the adenoids are masses of lymph tissue in the back of the throat that help the body fight invading bacteria and viruses. Also like the tonsils, the adenoids are prone to infection and enlargement. This can lead to sore throat, ear infections, stuffy nose, and breathing and swallowing problems.

If antibiotics or steroids fail to resolve the problem, the adenoids may be removed in a procedure called adenoidectomy. It can be performed with local or general anesthesia.

Head & Neck Tumors

Although radiologists and oncologists are the specialists most people think of when they hear the word “tumor,” otolaryngologists can be instrumental in detecting, diagnosing and treating benign and cancerous masses of the head and neck (including the larynx, nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands, thyroid and parathyroid glands, ears, skin and bone, and mouth). Cancers of the ear, nose and throat can be fatal. Thorough and regular examinations help patients and physicians find abnormalities early, when treatment is usually most effective.

If a mass is found, tests will be run to determine whether the tumor is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). This may involve blood or urine sampling, fine needle aspiration, biopsy, laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, nasopharyngoscopy, electrocardiogram or other tests. Treatment depends on the tumor site, size and type as well as involvement of other structures and the patient’s overall health and preferences.

Back to top

Swallowing Problems (Dysphagia)

There are many possible causes for a person to suffer difficulty or pain when swallowing food or liquid. The most common causes include:

• Conditions that narrow the esophagus – Sore, swollen or infected throat; esophageal strictures caused by lodged pills or other objects; gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn); tumors or cancers.
• Conditions that compress the esophagus from the outside – Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland); tumors, cancers or other abnormalities of the throat, larynx, spine and neck.
• Dry mouth – Sjogren syndrome, nerve or brain damage, medication side-effects.
• Muscle weakness – Autoimmune or nerve disorders; nerve or brain damage such as ALS or stroke.

Patients with dysphagia will be asked about the exact sensations they feel when swallowing; how quickly the problem appeared and how long it has been occurring; whether they are taking any medications that could cause these side-effects; what other symptoms they are experiencing, if any; and whether there is a family history of such problems. If a physical exam is not enough to make a diagnosis, other tests may be ordered such as X-rays of the upper GI tract or brain, endoscopy of the esophagus and stomach, or blood sampling. Treatment and recovery depend on the underlying condition.

Back to top

Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy, or removal of the tonsils, is one of the most common throat operations. The tonsils are masses of lymph tissue in the back of the throat. They work with the adenoids and immune system early in life to defend the body against invading bacteria and viruses. Sometimes the tonsils become infected, abscessed or enlarged, leading to any of a variety of symptoms including sore throat, fever, ear infections, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Surgery is recommended when more conservative treatments such as antibiotics or steroids fail to relieve symptoms, or when patients have frequent infections or difficulty breathing. There are a variety of methods used, including traditional surgery, microcautery and radiofrequency ablation. Tonsillectomy may be performed with local or general anesthesia.

Back to top

Voice & Throat Disorders

Disorders of the throat, or pharynx, and voice box, or larynx, can take many forms, including:

• Cancers and Tumors
• Epiglottitis – Bacterial infection of the epiglottis.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD / Heartburn) and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPRD) – Backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus can cause hoarseness, swallowing problems and pain.
• Laryngitis – Inflammation of the voice box from the common cold, bronchitis, overuse of the voice, allergies or irritants.
• Laryngoceles – Air- or mucus-filled, inward or outward bulgings of the voice box lining. Most common in wind instrument players.
• Mononucleosis
• Pharyngitis (Sore Throat) & Streptococcal Pharyngitis (Strep Throat)
• Tonsillitis (Swelling of the tonsils), Tonsillar Cellulitis (Bacterial infection of the tonsils) and Tonsillar Abscesses (Pus collection around the tonsils).
• Vocal Cord Paralysis – Loss of movement of the muscles that control one or both vocal cords. Paralysis of one vocal cord leaves the voice breathy or hoarse; paralysis of both weakens the voice and makes breathing difficult when exercising.
• Vocal Cord Nodules and Polyps – Benign (non-cancerous) growths that form from overuse of the voice, smoking, irritants or acid reflux.
• Vocal Cord Contact Ulcers – Sores in the cartilage around the vocal cords caused by straining the voice, frequent talking, smoking, coughing or acid reflux.

Changes in the voice are almost always indicative of a medical problem; patients experiencing hoarseness or other voice changes should see a physician to determine the cause.

Learn more about head and neck conditions from
The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery

Back to top