The glands, soft tissues, and other various structures within your head and neck can be affected by many different issues.
Some of these problems are minor and temporary, while others contribute to ongoing discomfort or result in a significant disruption to your quality of life. If you are experiencing discomfort related to a chronic condition, injury, or some type of abnormality, you may benefit from the type of care provided at the best head and neck hospital in Los Angeles.
Below are the most common head and neck issues that often bring patients to a top-notch L.A. medical facility.
Thyroid/Lymph Node Disorders
Unexplained weight loss or gain, muscle weakness, a change in mood, and a general lack of energy are among the symptoms that suggest you might have problems with the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland in the lower front part of your neck. A throat infection or an upper respiratory infection are some of the possible reasons why you may have swollen lymph nodes on the side of your neck or under your jaw. If thyroid of lymph node problems are detected after a visit to the best head and neck hospital in Los Angeles, blood tests may be done to rule out underlying issues. If abnormal growths are discovered, an ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy may be performed. Treatment can also be provided for thyroid-related problems that may include:
- An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
- Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s disease)
- Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
- Grave’s disease
- Thyroid nodules
Salivary Gland Disorders
Located under and behind your jaw, inside your cheeks, and throughout your mouth and throat, salivary glands help keep your mouth moist so you can swallow and properly digest food. Lab tests and CT scans and other image tests can be performed at the best head and neck hospital in Los Angeles to determine if your salivary glands may be affected by a viral infection, abnormal growths, or conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or sialadenitis.
Severe Sinus Pain
Some patients are referred to the best head and neck hospital in Los Angeles if they have severe sinus pain or infections. With situations like this, a visual inspection of the sinus cavities is usually performed with specialized instruments to identify any blockages or structural problems.
Facial/Jaw Conditions
The doctors and specialists on staff at a top-quality L.A. head and neck hospital are prepared to diagnose and treat a wide range of facial and jaw conditions. With Bell’s palsy, a common cause of facial pain, treatment often involves medication and therapy. With pain related to the temporomandibular joint that links the jaw to the skull, medication and other non-surgical treatments are often effective. If this isn’t the case, arthroscopic surgery may be performed to inspect and repair damaged tissues. Damage from facial trauma or injuries can also be assessed and corrected at a head and neck hospital.
Head/Neck Cancers
Patients are often referred to specialists at a first-rate L.A. head and neck hospital if suspicious growths in the head or neck area have been discovered. About 90 percent of cancers within this area are related to long-term risk exposure (e.g., tobacco use, sun exposure, or excessive alcohol consumption). The human papilloma virus (HPV) can also contribute to the development of head and neck cancers. Treatment is available at our well-staffed and equipped head and neck hospital for many different types of head and neck cancer, including:
- Lip and oral cavity cancer
- Salivary or thyroid gland cancer
- Para-nasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer
- Laryngeal cancer
One of the many benefits of seeking care at the best head and neck hospital in Los Angeles is the multiple resources available in one convenient location. Everything from an initial examination to specialized testing and follow-up care can be provided by specialists with access to an assortment of resources and some of the latest technology. And if surgery is necessary or recommended, most top-quality medical facilities use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to reduce patient risks and recovery times.