Otolaryngology (ENT) is the term for the branch of the medical field that focuses on the throat, ears, nose, head, and neck. At East Bay Cardiovascular and Thoracic Associates, our specialists in otolaryngology in Danville are available to provide treatment for your specific condition. There are a number of common conditions treated in this discipline.
People with neck or head problems might be referred to one of our otolaryngology specialists. Our Danville ENT specialists can effectively diagnose and treat conditions related to the ears, nose, throat, neck, and head.
Typical issues that would require a visit to an otolaryngology specialist include problems with the vocal cords, hoarseness, dysphagia, dysphonia, Zenker’s Diverticulum, and similar conditions.
Prior to your consultation with our otolaryngology specialist, you’ll need to complete a medical history form. This form will help your ear, nose, and throat doctor in Danville to understand your health background better. During your appointment, the doctor will review this information with you, focusing on your current health status, the symptoms that led you to seek medical attention, and any additional health conditions you may have.
The specialist will also conduct a physical examination, depending on the reason for your consultation and the reported symptoms. They might look at your ears, nose, throat, or a combination of the three. Depending on the results of the physical exam, they will then make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan for your condition.
The otolaryngology specialist will start by recommending the most conservative treatment methods, such as therapies or medications, before suggesting surgery. If surgery is required, they will prioritize minimally invasive options.
Vocal cord growths or lesions are benign but can affect the voice and cause hoarseness. They are typically a result of trauma or overuse of the vocals.
Nodules
Vocal cord nodules usually result from overuse or incorrect use of the vocal cords. These small, callus-like growths develop in the middle of the vocal cords. Women between the ages of 20 and 50 are most prone to vocal cord nodules.
Polyps
Vocal cord polyps can occur on one or both sides of the vocal cords. They can appear red in color and vary in shape and size, sometimes resembling blisters. Polyps can be caused by misuse or overuse of the vocal cords, or they can result from a single event (such as yelling or singing for a long time).
Some other causes include muscle tension in the throat, alcohol consumption, smoking, allergies, sinusitis, and hypothyroidism. A certain type of polyp called polypoid corditis is exclusively associated with smoking.
Cysts
Vocal cord cysts are characterized by the growth of a fluid-filled or muscular sac on the vocal cords. Mucus retention cysts and Sebaceous cysts are the two forms this condition can take. Typically, voice therapy and surgery are required to remove a cyst.
Papillomas are small wart-like growths on the vocal cords caused by Human Papillomavirus, or HPV. These growths can cause hoarseness and other troubles with the voice, or even shortness of breath if the papilloma has grown significantly.
They typically need surgery to be removed. Surgical intervention can be done in various minimally invasive ways.
Voice box or vocal cord cancer, also called laryngeal cancer, is a serious condition of the throat. The larynx is the part of the throat that contains the voice box and the entrance to the trachea.
Symptoms of Vocal Cord and Voice Box Cancers
Some of the main symptoms of laryngeal cancers include:
Causes of Vocal Cord and Voice Box Cancers
The risk of the condition is increased by:
Procedures and Treatments for Vocal Cord and Voice Box Cancers
Depending on the type and severity of cancer, the condition may require surgery. In late-stage cancers, parts or all of the voice box may need to be removed and some reconstructive surgeries may be done.
More commonly, laser surgery can excise (remove) tumors on the larynx or vaporize cancer cells. This approach gets rid of diseased cells and preserves the patient’s voice.
Hoarseness in singers and speakers is a symptom that is normally caused by overuse or misuse of the vocal cords, or in some cases, certain diseases of the voice box. Hoarseness becomes apparent from breathy, strained, or raspy sounds as well as changes in pitch or volume in the voice.
Causes of Hoarseness
In singers and speakers, misuse and overuse are the most common causes. Some other factors that can contribute to changes in voice are:
The type of voice changes can help determine the condition causing the hoarseness.
Procedures and Treatments for Hoarseness
Your doctor will determine how to treat your voice changes. Rest and voice therapy may be recommended. It is always important to avoid or quit smoking.
Surgery may be recommended if there is a growth or a functional issue with the vocal cords. These procedures are almost always performed with a minimally invasive approach.
Paralysis of the vocal cords occurs when nerve function to the voice box (larynx) is damaged. Paralyzed vocal cords can affect the ability to produce sound, breathe, and swallow. Nerve damage, infection, or cancer can result in weakness or paralysis of the vocal cords.
Symptoms of Vocal Cord Paralysis and Weakness
Usually, only one vocal cord is affected by paralysis. If both are paralyzed or weak, there may be a serious inability to speak, breathe, or eat. Some symptoms of the condition are:
Causes of Vocal Cord Paralysis and Weakness
Some causes of vocal cord weakness and paralysis include:
Procedures and Treatments for Vocal Cord Paralysis and Weakness
The treatment of the condition depends on the cause and severity of the symptoms. Sometimes voice therapy can strengthen the vocal cords enough to improve breath control and the sound of the voice. Most of the time, surgery or injection is the best option.
Vocal cord injections
Paralysis of the nerve to the vocal cord typically leaves the muscle thin and weak. Collagen, body fat, or other substances can be injected into the vocal cord to provide some bulk to the vocal cord, bringing it back into contact with the middle of the voice box.
Thyroplasty surgery to restore voice
A thyroplasty is a surgery that involves the implantation of a structural device in the larynx or the repositioning of the vocal cords. There are different approaches and types of implants for different varieties of conditions, but all result in better-functioning vocal cords.
Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological condition that affects the muscles of the larynx. Spasmodic dysphonia causes abrupt muscle movements called spasms that result in strains and breaks in the voice.
This condition affects women more than men and persists throughout their lifespan if not treated. The condition can be difficult to diagnose since the symptoms are similar to other voice box disorders, but an otolaryngologist can distinguish the conditions with exams.
Treatment for Spasmodic Dysphonia
There is no cure for spasmodic dysphonia, but injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) into the vocal cords can drastically reduce the symptoms. The injection weakens the muscles by blocking nerve impulses, which reduces spasms.
The effects of this treatment typically last around three to four months before symptoms gradually return. In order to maintain symptom-free, reinjections will be necessary. In mild cases of spasmodic dysphonia, voice therapy may be able to treat the condition.
Difficulty swallowing is called dysphagia. Dysphagia can indicate other serious medical conditions or it can be a result of stroke, nerve weakness, or other medical illnesses. It can occur at any age, but it is more common in older adults.
Symptoms of Difficult Swallowing
Signs associated with dysphagia are:
Procedures and Treatments for Difficult Swallowing
Dysphagia can sometimes be treated by learning exercises that can strengthen and coordinate swallowing muscles, or by learning new swallowing techniques. Depending on the root of the issue, medications may be prescribed. For example, dysphagia resulting from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may go away if the reflux is controlled.
More surgical approaches may be the best option. The esophagus can be dilated with a small balloon, or other endoscopic surgeries can repair damage in the throat or voice box.
This condition is characterized by the formation of a pouch in the upper esophagus that causes difficulty swallowing and regurgitation. Zenker’s diverticulum can cause food to get trapped in this extra pouch in the esophagus, which can lead to very bad breath and infection.
This condition is rare and is almost always found in elderly patients. If you suspect you have Zenker’s diverticulum, it will be diagnosed with swallowing tests, like a barium swallow.
Procedures and Treatment for Zenker’s Diverticulum
If the diverticulum is large enough to cause symptoms, then it likely needs to be removed. There are several different ways to remove the pouch caused by the condition, including laser surgery or endoscopic stapling.
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The recovery process varies based on the details of the specific surgery, along with the ear, nose, or throat problem being addressed. Minimally invasive procedures tend to have a shorter and more comfortable recovery process.
Make sure to closely follow the post-surgical care directions of our specialist in otolaryngology. If you have any questions, they will be happy to answer.
The cost of your otolaryngology treatment will depend on many factors. The condition being addressed, the severity of the condition and the type of procedure needed to best resolve your symptoms will affect the overall price. You will be provided with complete pricing details once your unique treatment plan has been developed.
To schedule a consultation and find out more about otolaryngology in Danville or one of our other locations, contact East Bay Cardiovascular and Thoracic Associates. You meet with a skilled and experienced surgeon, who will diagnose your condition and guide you toward the best treatment option. Cost, recovery, and the details of the treatment will all be discussed.
Consult an ENT specialist for persistent symptoms like earaches, nasal congestion, or sore throats that don’t improve with standard treatments, as well as issues such as hearing loss, balance problems, or frequent nosebleeds.
An ENT consultation typically includes reviewing your medical history, a physical examination of your ears, nose, and throat, and possibly conducting diagnostic tests like hearing assessments or endoscopic exams.
Risks can include infection, bleeding, and reactions to anesthesia. Specific risks vary by surgery type and may involve changes in hearing, smell, or vocal function. It’s important to discuss these with your surgeon.
Recovery depends on the specific procedure but generally may involve mild discomfort, swelling, or drainage. You will receive detailed post-operative care instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery.
Preparing for ENT surgery typically involves following pre-operative instructions, such as fasting, adjusting medications, and arranging for post-operative care and transportation. Your healthcare provider will give you all the necessary guidelines to ensure a safe procedure and recovery.
