The Department of Otolaryngology

Ear, nose and throat physicians who specialize in pediatric otolaryngology are experienced in treating conditions that occur often and/or exclusively among babies, children and adolescent patients. Common conditions and treatments include:

• Infections, including ear infections, "strep throat" and epiglottitis
• Sore throats & hoarseness
• Enlarged adenoids and tonsils
• Breathing difficulties
• Foreign objects in the ear, nose, or throat
• Nosebleeds (epistaxis)
• Congenital abnormalities
• Hearing loss and testing
• Laryngeal papillomas
• Facial plastic surgery including cleft lip & palate repair, rhinoplasty (nose surgery) and otoplasty (cosmetic ear surgery)
• Thyroid and parathyroid conditions

Although radiologists and oncologists are the specialists most people think of when they hear the word "tumor," otolaryngologists can be instrumental in detecting, diagnosing and treating benign and cancerous masses of the head and neck (including the larynx, nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands, thyroid and parathyroid glands, ears, skin and bone, and mouth). Cancers of the ear, nose and throat can be fatal. Thorough and regular examinations help patients and physicians find abnormalities early, when treatment is usually most effective. 

If a mass is found, tests will be run to determine whether the tumor is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). This may involve blood or urine sampling, fine needle aspiration, biopsy, laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, nasopharyngoscopy, electrocardiogram or other tests. Treatment depends on the tumor site, size and type as well as involvement of other structures and the patient's overall health and preferences.