Otolaryngology, commonly known as ENT, is the medical and surgical specialty concerned with the ear, the nose and paranasal sinuses, the pharynx, the larynx and the neck. Alongside my oncologic practice I see patients with general otolaryngologic conditions, of which the following are among the most common.
Voice disorders
Persistent hoarseness has many causes, among them vocal fold nodules and polyps, vocal fold paralysis, laryngopharyngeal reflux and, less often, cancer. Hoarseness that lasts longer than three weeks warrants examination of the larynx by flexible endoscopy, which is performed in the clinic. Treatment ranges from voice therapy to phonosurgery, including laryngeal framework surgery to reposition a paralyzed vocal fold or to alter vocal pitch.
Laryngeal and tracheal stenosis
Narrowing of the airway most often follows prolonged intubation or tracheostomy and presents with noisy breathing and breathlessness on exertion. Management depends on the site and length of the stenosis and ranges from endoscopic dilation to open resection and reconstruction.
Nasal obstruction and sinus disease
Chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyposis and deviation of the septum are the usual causes of persistent nasal obstruction. Most patients are treated medically in the first instance. Endoscopic sinus surgery and septoplasty are reserved for those who do not respond.