Are You in Need of Head and Neck Surgery?

Are You in Need of Head and Neck Surgery?

Your Long Beach, CA, ENTs, Dr. Jesse Tan and Dr. Jesus Tan of the Tan Head and Neck Center explain when head and neck surgery is head surgery, neck surgeryrecommended.

What is head and neck surgery?

Head and neck surgery is used to remove tumors the develop in the head or neck, including those that affect the:

  • Thyroid gland
  • Parathyroid gland
  • Tongue
  • Salivary glands
  • Ear or eye
  • Parotid gland
  • Larynx
  • Submandibular gland

Not all tumors are cancerous. If you do have cancer, you may need chemotherapy or radiation treatment in addition to surgery.

What signs and symptoms occur with tumors?

If you have a head or neck tumor, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:

  • A lump you can see or feel
  • Trouble swallowing or breathing
  • Chronic cough or hoarseness
  • Pain in the head, neck or throat
  • Saliva tinged with blood
  • Sores that don't heal on your neck or head
  • An ulcer in your mouth that never seems to heal

What other types of surgery do ear, nose and throat doctors offer?

ENTs also use surgery to treat other conditions and diseases that affect the head. If you have frequent sinus infections or your infection lasts more than six weeks, you may benefit from minimally invasive sinus surgery. During the surgery, your ENT removes tissue that blocks your sinuses. Surgery is also used to remove obstructions that can make breathing difficult, such as cysts, polyps and is also a good solution if your problems are caused by a deviated septum.

If you experience frequent bouts of tonsillitis, your Long Beach ENTs may recommend a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy during a visit to their office. Does your child suffer from frequent ear infections? Ear tubes may reduce the infections by allowing fluid to flow from the ears freely. The tubes are put in place during a minor surgical procedure. If an ear infection is severe, the ear drum can perforate. Although ear drums heal on their own in most cases, sometimes surgery is needed to repair the tissue.

Are you concerned about a lump or frequent sinus infections? Surgery may ease your symptoms. Call your Long Beach, CA ENTs, Dr. Jesse Tan and Dr. Jesus Tan, at (562) 988-8818 to schedule an appointment.