Ear, Nose, and Throat (Otolaryngology)
Conditions We Treat
Skin Cancer
The skin is the largest organ in our body, and is made up of two major layers (epidermis and dermis), as well as various types of cells. The top (or outer) layer of the skin, the epidermis, is composed of three types of cells: flat, scaly cells on the surface called squamous cells; round cells called basal cells; and melanocytes, cells that provide skin its color and protect against skin damage. The inner layer of the skin, the dermis, is the layer that contains the nerves, blood vessels, and sweat glands. Skin cancer is a disease in which cancerous (malignant) cells are found in the outer layers of your skin.
Go to Detail PageSleep Apnea
An individual with sleep apnea experiences breathing that stops and starts during the sleep cycle. The two main types of sleep apnea are central sleep apnea, when the brain isn't sending the right signals to the muscles that control breathing, and obstructive sleep apnea, when the throat muscles relax.
Go to Detail PageSleep Apnea and Snoring
Snoring disorders can be severe enough to prevent couples from enjoying a restful night together and be a signal that one may also be suffering from a sleeping disorder, such as Sleep Apnea. This is where the airway becomes blocked during the deepest portion of your sleep.
Go to Detail PageSore Throats
Sore throats happen to everyone now and then. Infections from viruses or bacteria are the main cause of sore throats, but allergies can also contribute.
Go to Detail PageSpasmodic Dysphonia
Spasmodic dysphonia is a rare, chronic neurological disorder that causes spasms in the vocal chords, interrupting the ability to create sound. Symptoms may start slowly, with the voice sounding tight with breaks when speaking. Symptoms develop over time until speech is difficult to understand. The cause of the spasms is generally thought to be an abnormality in the central nervous system.
Go to Detail PageSquamous Cell Carcinoma
This is the most common cancer of the sinuses and adjacent skull base. The rapidly dividing cells which comprise the lining of the inner nose and sinuses degenerate into uncontrolled cancer in some people. This cancer is locally destructive. It can involve the sinuses, eyes, brain, and the roof of the mouth. It can extend deep into the cheek as well. In some cases, the lymph nodes of the neck can be involved or the cancer may spread further.
Go to Detail PageSulcus Vocalis
Sulcus vocalis, like vocal fold scarring, is an indentation or retracted area on the vocal fold (cord) from scarring. It's sometimes called a hole in the vocal cord. The vocal cords are the structure that open for breathing, close for swallowing, and vibrate as air passes through to produce sound. With sulcus vocalis, an alteration in the vibration of the cord happens, causing abnormal vocal sounds including hoarseness. It can also cause vocal weakness and fatigue.
Go to Detail PageSwimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa)
An infection of the outer ear structures caused when water gets trapped in the ear canal leading to a collection of trapped bacteria is known as swimmer's ear or otitis externa. In this warm, moist environment, bacteria multiply causing irritation and infection of the ear canal. Although it typically occurs in swimmers, bathing or showering can also contribute to this common infection. In severe cases, the ear canal may swell shut leading to temporary hearing loss and making administration of medications difficult.
Go to Detail PageTemporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the small joint in front of the ear where the lower jaw fits in to the base of the skull. Between the top part of the jaw (the condyle) and the base of the skull (fossa) is a specialized disk similar to the meniscus of the knee. This joint allows people to open and close their mouth. Surrounding the joint are a number of muscles that facilitate opening and closing of the mouth.
Go to Detail PageThyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is very common, particularly in women. It is now one of the most common cancers found in women.
Go to Detail PageThyroid Nodules
A thyroid nodule is an area of abnormal growth within the thyroid. Some people have a single nodule while others have multiple nodules within the gland.
Go to Detail PageTinnitus
Tinnitus is commonly defined as hearing a sound in the absence of external sounds. Tinnitus is not a disease in itself but a common symptom, and because it involves the perception of sound or sounds, it is commonly associated with the hearing system. In fact, various parts of the hearing system, including the inner ear, are often responsible for this symptom.
Go to Detail PageTonsillitis
Tonsillitis refers to inflammation of the pharyngeal tonsils (glands at the back of the throat, visible through the mouth). The inflammation may involve other areas of the back of the throat, including the adenoids and the lingual tonsils (tonsil tissue at the back of the tongue). There are several variations of tonsillitis: acute, recurrent, and chronic tonsillitis, and peritonsillar abscess.
Go to Detail PageTonsils and adenoids
Tonsils and adenoids are the body's first line of defense as part of the immune system. They "sample" bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth or nose, but they sometimes become infected. At times, they become more of a liability than an asset and may even cause airway obstruction or repeated bacterial infections. Your ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist can suggest the best treatment options.
Go to Detail PageTurbinate Hypertrophy
Turbinate hypertrophy refers to an excessive growth or enlargement of the turbinates, which are bony structures located inside the nose.
Go to Detail PageVestibular Schwannoma (Acoustic Neuroma)
Vestibular schwannoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor that grows on the eighth cranial nerve, which is responsible for hearing and balance.
Go to Detail PageVocal Cord Paralysis
Vocal cord paralysis happens when the nerve impulses to the vocal box (larynx) are interrupted, causing paralysis. Because the vocal cord muscles not only help produce sound but help to keep saliva, food and fluid from entering the windpipe (trachea), vocal cord paralysis requires medical help. The condition can be caused by number of things including nerve damage during surgery, from cancer, or a viral infection.
Go to Detail PageVocal Cysts
Vocal cord cysts, or vocal fold cysts, are blisters filled with fluid on the vocal cords. The cords are structures that open for breathing, close for swallowing, and vibrate as air passes through them, producing sound. Cysts sometimes form when there is a blocked duct or a person is born with an abnormal mucous membrane. Cysts may cause cydysphonia, a condition where the vocal cords produce different tones at the same time, making speech hard to understand.
Go to Detail PageVocal Polyps
Vocal polyps are blister-like bumps or stalks on one or both of the vocal cords or folds. These structures open for breathing, close for swallowing, and vibrate as air passes through them, producing sound.
Go to Detail PageVocal Scarring
The vocal folds (cords) make up the structure that opens for breathing, closes for swallowing, and vibrates as air passes through to produce sound. Vocal fold scarring can be the result of injury, trauma or another condition. When this happens, there is an interruption of the normal vibration of the focal folds as sound is produced. Hoarseness, vocal strain, loss of upper range of singing and a scratchy voice are all symptoms of vocal scarring.
Go to Detail Page