Neck & Throat

Neck and throat disorders encompass a range of conditions that can affect an individual's ability to speak, swallow, and breathe comfortably. Understanding the causes and available treatments for these disorders is crucial for effective management and improving our patients' quality of life.

Why am I Having Trouble Swallowing?

Swallowing problems, or dysphagia, can result from a variety of conditions, including neurological disorders, muscular diseases, or structural abnormalities in the throat. Patients with dysphagia may experience pain while swallowing, choking, or the sensation of food being stuck in the throat. Causes can range from stroke or Parkinson’s disease to esophageal cancer or acid reflux. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve dietary changes, swallowing therapy, medications to manage symptoms, or surgical interventions to correct structural problems.

What is Tongue-Tie?

Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a congenital condition where the strip of skin connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter than usual, restricting tongue movement. This can lead to difficulties with breastfeeding in infants, speech problems, and oral hygiene issues as the child grows. The exact cause is unknown, but it is often diagnosed during infancy. Treatment for tongue-tie typically involves a simple surgical procedure called a frenectomy, which can be performed to release the tongue and improve mobility, often resulting in immediate benefits for feeding and speech.

How do You Treat Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the thyroid gland, which is located in the front of the neck. It can cause symptoms such as a lump in the neck, changes in voice, difficulty swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes. The exact cause of thyroid cancer is not always clear, but risk factors include exposure to high levels of radiation, a family history of thyroid cancer, and certain genetic mutations. Treatment options typically include surgery to remove the thyroid gland, radioactive iodine therapy, and thyroid hormone therapy to replace the hormones the thyroid would normally produce.

Tongue-Tie

Spokane Valley ENT offers diagnosis and treatment for infants and older children with tongue-tie. Depending on its severity, tongue-tie may be corrected with a simple surgical procedure called a frenulectomy, in which the restrictive strip of tissue under the tongue is removed.

Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer can affect the lips, mouth, tongue, nose, pharynx, larynx and other surrounding areas. Most head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas that originate from the cells in the mucosal lining of these regions.

Thyroid Disease

The thyroid is a hormonal gland that controls the body’s metabolism, makes proteins, and affects the body’s sensitivity to other hormones. It is located in the neck below the thyroid cartilage, also known as the Adam’s apple in men.

Swallowing Problems

Chronic difficulties in swallowing, a condition known as dysphagia, is often a sign of a problem with your throat or esophagus that could be caused by a number of disorders, including gastroesophageal (GERD) reflux, esophagitis, diverticula, tumors or many other conditions.

Tonsils and Adenoids

Spokane Valley ENT offers surgical and non-surgical relief from issues with tonsils and adenoids. Tonsils and adenoids are tissues on the side of the throat and back of the nose that are prone to infection, especially in children. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can also make it difficult to breathe or swallow.