Head & Neck Cancer
The Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic of the Northwest specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancers including thyroid and parathyroid diseases, treatment of swollen or inflamed glands, removal of salivary gland masses, and head and neck surgery. Procedures are listed in detail below.
Thyroid and parathyroid disorders
The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck. The parathyroid gland is located on the edges of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland can over-produce or under-produce hormones which control the body’s metabolism, and may lead to weight gain or loss of energy if not working properly. The parathyroid gland can over-produce or under-produce hormones which control calcium metabolism, and may lead to low bone mass if not working properly. Treatment for either disorder may involve medicine to control or balance the hormone release, or surgery to remove parts of the gland.
Salivary gland masses
There are three main salivary glands within the mouth: the parotid glands, submandibular glands, and sublingual glands. Salivary gland masses may occur due to obstructions (e.g. - a formation of stones), inflammation, infection, or a tumor within these three salivary glands. Treatment may result in antibiotics to stop infections or inflammations, or surgery may be needed to remove certain gland masses.
Head and neck cancer surgery
Head and neck cancer may begin in many places. Signs of head and neck cancer may include:
•Unexplained swellings or lumps
•Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
•Nonhealing sores in the mouth or throat
•Skin changes including nonhealing sores
•Coughing or bringing up blood
•Unexplained earache of more than a few days
•Swallowing problems
Such signs should not be taken lightly and should be checked out as soon as possible. With early detection and treatment, results of treatment are usually excellent.