head and neck

Head and Neck

Treating Head and Neck Conditions

We diagnose and treat a wide range of head and neck disorders. We are proud to treat conditions of the head and neck using the latest technology and a compassionate, patient-centered approach.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are glands that are located throughout the body—the neck, under the chin, in the armpits and in the groin. Instrumental in keeping your body healthy, lymph nodes trap bacteria and viruses before they can spread to other areas. Swollen lymph nodes indicate the presence of an infection or other problem in the body.

Treating lymph nodes depends on the cause of the swelling. Patients with swollen lymph nodes typically present a variety of other symptoms that will go away with treatment of the underlying cause. If your lymph nodes remain swollen for an extended period of time, contact your doctor. Prolonged swollen lymph nodes could be an indicator of autoimmune disease or cancers. Infected lymph nodes can also develop an abscess, which may require drainage or medication to go away.

Diagnosing and Treating Neck Masses

Neck masses are usually benign, but can sometimes indicate serious health conditions. If you feel a lump on your neck, you should seek medical help. Our provider diagnoses a neck mass by performing a physical exam followed by an X-ray or even surgery to remove the mass. Specific treatment for your mass depends on what your provider finds. The following are some causes of neck masses:

When there is an infection in the body, the lymph nodes become swollen. Treating the underlying infection will help the lymph nodes return to normal.

These cysts appear on the neck, as well as in other places. They may need to be removed surgically.

A neoplasm is an abnormal group of cells that can be benign or malignant.

Though masses on the neck are usually benign, a neck mass can be a cancerous tumor on the neck.

Conditions Of The Salivary Glands

The body produces saliva for several beneficial reasons—it protects the teeth, promotes digestion and prevents the mouth from drying out. There are three main glands that work together to produce saliva. The parotid glands are located below the ears on both sides of the jaw, and the sublingual and submandibular glands are located below the chin. In addition to hundreds of additional little glands in the mouth and throat, these glands work together to produce saliva. Head and neck conditions of the salivary glands include:

When the salivary glands swell, it is often a sign of infection that goes away when treated with antibiotics.

Most salivary stones occur in the submandibular gland and are usually caused by an infection. Much like kidney stones, salivary stones will come out on their own or need to be removed.

Salivary tumors can be either benign or malignant. Salivary gland cancers are usually resolved by removing the tumors, but could require additional treatment.

Conditions of the salivary glands are diagnosed through physical examination by our Virginia Ear Nose and Throat provider. Depending on your symptoms and the results of the physical exam, digital imaging and a biopsy, or collecting tissue from the affected gland, may be necessary. From there, treating salivary gland conditions includes medication and surgery.

Conditions of the Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands

The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck and is primarily responsible for regulating metabolism. Its function seems simple, but issues with the thyroid gland can complicate every aspect of your overall health. Common conditions include:

  • Hyperthyroidism: the thyroid is overactive and accelerates the body’s metabolism, resulting in weight loss

  • Hypothyroidism: the thyroid produces underperforms, contributing to a slow metabolism and weight gain

  • Thyroid nodules: Lumps in the thyroid gland that could be noncancerous or cancerous

  • Chronic thyroid conditions: Autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s disease causes inflammation of the thyroid

Parathyroid disorders deal with the parathyroid glands, which are located near the thyroid. Parathyroid glands are responsible for releasing parathyroid hormone (PTH), which controls the body’s calcium levels. Unstable calcium levels can cause problems with the bones, kidneys and other vital organs.

Diagnosing and Treating Thyroid and Parathyroid Gland Disorders

Treating your thyroid condition begins with determining the problem with your thyroid. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are typically diagnosed through blood work that indicates the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the thyroid. These thyroid conditions are generally managed through medications.

Thyroid nodules may require needle aspiration on the lump to see if the cyst is abnormal. Nodules are often benign and treated with thyroid therapy, surgically removed or even left alone. Large lumps are more concerning and require an ultrasound. If cancer is present, your provider will order an ultrasound and perform a biopsy. Most tumors are removed surgically, and further treatment and therapies to eradicate the cancer may be necessary.

Parathyroid disease is easy to diagnose—a blood test will indicate the presence of the disease. To treat Parathyroid gland conditions, our provider will prescribe medication that regulates PTH levels. Occasionally patients will need surgery.

Virginia ENT is here to diagnose and treat your head and neck conditions. Call us today to schedule your appointment.