ENT DOCTOR BLOG
Posts for: June, 2017
Do you have a condition that may require head and neck surgery? Our Washington, DC, ear, nose and throat specialist, Dr. William Bond, discusses head and neck surgery and explains symptoms you shouldn't ignore.
When is head and neck surgery needed?
Head and neck surgery is used to treat both benign (non-cancerous) and cancerous tumors. Cancer can affect any area of your head and neck, but typically develops in your parotid gland, submandibular gland, larynx, ear, eye, thyroid or parathyroid glands or tongue.
What symptoms will I notice if I need head or neck surgery?
In some cases, you'll actually see and feel a lump on your head or neck. In others, the symptoms will be much more subtle. Everyone experiences pain in the head or neck from time to time, but when it occurs often, it may be a sign of a problem. Cancer can cause a chronic cough or hoarseness or may even make it difficult to breathe or swallow. You can have cancer even if you don't have a large lump. For example, sores that won't go away or canker sores in the mouth that don't heal may be caused by cancer, although other conditions or diseases may be responsible for the problem, such as a blood disease or vitamin deficiencies. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an appointment with our Washington office as soon as possible.
What other types of surgery do ENTs perform?
Surgery may be recommended for other ear, nose and throat conditions when more conservative treatment methods aren't effective. If you have chronic sinusitis, a minor surgical procedure can remove inflamed tissues in your sinuses and remove blockages. In addition to sinus surgery, ENTs also use surgery to treat other infections and facial trauma, correct facial deformities and place tubes in the ears of children who suffer from frequent ear infections.
Are you concerned about a lump, chronic hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or other symptoms? Find out if you need head and neck surgery by scheduling an appointment with Washington, DC, ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. Bond at (202) 726-7770.
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- Hear muffled speech or sounds
- Have a problem understanding individual words
- Need people to speak more loudly or slowly
- Have to turn up the television or radio
- Withdraw from social events or conversations
- Protect your ears by wearing earplugs or earmuffs if you are in a loud workplace
- Have your hearing tested by an audiologist or ENT specialist. Current recommendations are to have your hearing tested at least every 10 years through age 50, and every three years after age 50.
- Protect your ears from damaging loud noises in your daily activities and recreation, especially listening to rock concerts, shooting guns or riding in loud vehicles.
- Take breaks from continuous loud noises.