The Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Department at Medistate Hospital stands as a cornerstone of advanced medical care, specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of intricate conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, and adjacent structures. Our multidisciplinary team of ENT specialists, including otologists, rhinologists, laryngologists, and head and neck surgeons, is dedicated to the pursuit of precision medicine and surgical excellence in the field of Otorhinolaryngology.

Ear Conditions

Hearing Loss: We conduct extensive audiological evaluations and employ cutting-edge hearing restoration techniques such as cochlear implants and bone-anchored hearing devices for patients with sensorineural hearing loss.
Tinnitus: Our specialists employ a holistic approach to manage tinnitus, utilizing auditory rehabilitation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and sound therapy as applicable.
Chronic Ear Infections: Surgical interventions, including tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy, are employed for patients with chronic otitis media, cholesteatoma, or other middle ear pathologies.
Balance Disorders: In-depth assessments and vestibular rehabilitation are tailored to individuals with balance disorders, with surgical procedures such as labyrinthectomy or vestibular nerve section considered in select cases.

Nose and Sinus Conditions

Chronic Sinusitis: Endoscopic sinus surgery, including functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), is executed for patients with refractory or recurrent sinusitis, polyps, or structural abnormalities.
Allergic Rhinitis: Immunotherapy and medical management are employed to alleviate symptoms of allergic rhinitis, with surgical interventions like turbinate reduction or septoplasty as adjuncts in specific scenarios.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea: Surgical techniques, such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or genioglossus advancement (GA), are considered in the management of obstructive sleep apnea.

Throat and Voice Conditions

Laryngeal Pathologies: Diagnosis and management of vocal cord nodules, polyps, and cysts, including surgical interventions like microlaryngoscopy or laser procedures.
Throat Cancer: Multidisciplinary treatment of head and neck cancers, encompassing transoral robotic surgery (TORS), neck dissection, and microvascular reconstructive techniques when necessary.
Swallowing Disorders: Evaluation, rehabilitation, and surgical interventions, including myotomy or cricopharyngeal dilation, for dysphagia or motility disorders.

Throat Cancer

Throat cancer, medically termed as oropharyngeal or laryngeal cancer, represents a multifaceted group of malignancies that predominantly affect the tissues and structures of the throat, including the pharynx and larynx.

Throat cancer is predominantly associated with several well-established risk factors:

Tobacco Use: The consumption of tobacco products, either through smoking or smokeless forms, is the primary etiological factor for throat cancer. The carcinogens within tobacco smoke or chew induce genetic mutations that promote malignant transformation of the pharyngeal and laryngeal epithelium.
Alcohol Consumption: Chronic and excessive alcohol consumption is closely associated with an elevated risk of throat cancer. The synergistic effect of alcohol with tobacco exacerbates the carcinogenic potential.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Certain high-risk strains of HPV, particularly HPV-16, have been identified as a causative factor, particularly in oropharyngeal cancers. HPV-associated throat cancers often display distinct clinical and molecular characteristics.
Environmental Carcinogens: Occupational exposure to asbestos, wood dust, and certain chemicals has been linked to an increased risk of laryngeal cancer.

Treatment Modalities

The management of throat cancer is predicated on the stage, location, histological type, and patient factors. Treatment modalities include:

Surgery: Surgical intervention, often with minimally invasive or robotic-assisted techniques, is employed for resection of localized tumors. This may include partial or total laryngectomy, pharyngectomy, or neck dissection for lymph node involvement.

Radiation Therapy: External beam radiation therapy, often combined with chemotherapy, is used for curative or palliative purposes, particularly in cases where surgery is not feasible.

Chemotherapy: Systemic chemotherapy, frequently based on platinum-based regimens, is employed as neoadjuvant therapy to enhance surgical resectability, or as adjuvant therapy to mitigate the risk of recurrence.

Immunotherapy: Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab or nivolumab, have exhibited promise in the management of recurrent or metastatic throat cancer.

Targeted Therapy: Molecularly targeted agents, particularly for HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers, are under investigation for their potential to improve treatment outcomes.

Prognosis and Follow-up

Prognosis in throat cancer is contingent upon the stage at diagnosis, HPV status, treatment modality, and patient comorbidities. Post-treatment surveillance involves close monitoring for recurrence, emphasizing regular clinical evaluations, imaging, and molecular profiling when indicated.

Department Doctors