The ENT Specialty Group

The ENT Specialty Group

25 Likes
Like this HBI profile HBI profile liked

9 services for The ENT Specialty Group

Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid Cancer


What Exactly is Thyroid Cancer?

The thyroid gland is located in the front portion of the neck, below the larynx (the voice box) and in front of the trachea and esophagus. A normal-sized thyroid is butterfly-shaped and consists of two lobes that are joined together by the thyroid isthmus. The parathyroid glands are found on the back side of the thyroid.

Most thyroid tumors originate in the thyroid cells, which are responsible for the production of the thyroid hormone.

A distinction can be made among different types of thyroid cancers, depending on which tissue cells the cancer originates from:
  • Papillary
  • Follicular
  • Hurthle
  • Anaplastic
  • Medullary Carcinoma
 

About Thyroid Cancer and Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules are common in the general population. Malignant thyroid tumours are less common. It is estimated that about 5% of thyroid nodules that are detected on exam are malignant in females and >5% of thyroid nodules are malignant in males. Thyroid nodules are discovered through a variety of ways, including: by your doctor during a routine visit, by feeling a bump in your neck and by chance after an ultrasound, CT, MRI or PET scan of the neck. If a thyroid nodule that is detected is concerning, you will often be referred to a physician who specializes in thyroid nodules and cancer. Multiple tests will be done to determine if the nodule is worrisome for cancer, including: blood tests, thyroid ultrasound, and ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy, if necessary. If worrisome for cancer, the mass is often surgically removed by a thyroid cancer specialist.

Nose & Sinus Disorders

Nose & Sinus Disorders


The nose and sinuses play important roles in breathing, the ability to smell and taste, and in the defence against infections and pollution. Like any other organ, the nose and sinuses are susceptible to the development of other diseases. These commonly include allergies and/or sinusitis, that can cause symptoms such as nasal blockage, runny nose, post-nasal drip, sinus pain or pressure, and a decreased sense of smell. Most of the time,  blockage can be specifically caused by enlarged inferior turbinates or a deviated nasal septum, for which there are numerous effective medical and/or surgical treatments, many of which can be done outside of the operating room. On occasion, these symptoms can be caused by other diagnoses such as nasal polyps, or in rare instances,  nasal tumors. For these problems, it is important to consult with a qualified ear nose and throat specialist.

Ears

Ears


The ENT Specialty Group offers expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of hearing and balance disorders. These include:

– Cerumen (wax) removal

– Presbycusis (age-related), sudden & noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss

– Conductive hearing loss (otosclerosis, tympanic membrane perforations)

– Chronic otitis (ear infections, cholesteatoma)

– Eustachian tube dysfunction

– Tinnitus

– Vertigo / dizziness (Meniere’s disease, BPPV, acoustic neuromas)

– Facial nerve disorders (Bell’s palsy)

– Expertise for CNESST (CSST) cases involving occupational noise exposure

Consultation is provided by Fellowship-trained Otologists, as well as other Otolaryngologists with an interest in disorders of the external, middle and inner ear.

Referrals can be made to see an on-site Audiologist to perform audiograms (hearing tests) and impedance tympanometry (to test Eustachian tube function).

There is also an experienced Physiotherapist who is specially-trained for vestibular rehabilitation (including Epley maneuvers).

Voice

Voice


The ‘voice box’, or vocal cords are located in the larynx behind the thyroid cartilage or Adam’s apple. Our vocal cords have many important functions. Most people associate the vocal cords with the sound of a voice, speaking and singing. However, the vocal cords have other important functions as well. They help us swallow safely by closing and protecting the lungs when we eat.  They also open between swallows to allow us to breathe.

It has been said that our voice is the mirror of our personality. We use our voice from the moment we wake up to the time we close our eyes at night. Losing our voice, or hoarseness from laryngitis or other disorders makes it difficult to communicate at work, at home, and in social situations. For professional singers or those who depend on their voice for work, a hoarse voice can be catastrophic.

At the ENT specialty group, we have a dedicated group of highly trained and experienced voice experts (laryngologists) who recognize the apprehension and worry that comes with a hoarse speaking voice or singing voice. We have the knowledge and skills to comprehensively investigate and treat singers and patients with a hoarse, or disordered voice. This starts with a specialized examination using a small camera or endoscope which allows us to see the vocal cords. In some cases, an ultrasound of the larynx done in the office may provide complementary information. Additional investigations for a hoarse voice may include blood tests, allergy tests, and swallowing studies or scans.

Our voice experts are all fellowship trained, having spent an additional year of study and research in renowned centers after graduation. Our laryngologists work at the McGill University Health Center and are involved in voice research. We are able to offer cutting-edge treatment modalities including biopsies, esophagoscopy, vocal injections and office-based laser treatments. Our voice team is recognized both nationally and internationally as leaders in the field of voice disorders or laryngology, treating both singers and patients with a voice disorder. Our voice experts have published and presented nationally and internationally on voice.  Our voice team teaches students, medical/surgical residents, and fellows at academic centres.

Head & Neck Cancers

Head & Neck Cancers


The ENT Specialty Group Specializes in many facets of Head and Neck Surgery. It includes amongst its specialists, several Surgeons who have Fellowship (sub-specialty) training in all aspects of Head and Neck Cancer care.

Head and Neck Tumors ; which they look after comprehensively from diagnosis through to complete treatment, includes: mouth and throat cancers, benign and malignant thyroid and salivary gland tumors (parotid and sub-mandibular glands), parathyroid tumors, and advanced skin cancers. These surgeons also have advanced training in the plastic and reconstructive aspects of surgical treatment. This expertise allows them to provide the restorative part of the overall therapy.

The Clinic at ENT Specialty Group is fully equipped to provide the initial evaluation and assessment of a patient who is concerned about a Head and Neck lump or lymph node, most of which are not related to cancer. If required, many of the biopsies can be performed on the spot. The Surgeons all practice at the McGill University or CHUM hospitals and, therefore, have a direct link to their Head and Neck Tumor clinics at the hospitals. This allows for a rapid and seamless transfer for further work-up and treatment when required.

Pediatric Ear, Nose & Throat

Pediatric Ear, Nose & Throat


The Pediatric ENT Specialty Group treat children from the newborn period through the teenage years, we treat a wide range of pediatric ENT health issues, from routine pediatric problems involving ear infections, foreign bodies, tonsils, and sinuses, to complex and rare conditions such as neck masses, airway disorders including complex airway reconstruction, thyroid disordersand hearing loss. All our staff are fellowship trained pediatric Otolaryngologist Head and Neck surgeons

We provide expertise in treating a number of conditions, including the following:

  • Airway and breathing disorders
  • Ear disorders, (otitis media, otitis externa, swimmer ear, chronic ear infection)
  • Hearing Loss
  • Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea
  • Nasal disorders (sinusitis and nasal polyps in children)
  • Adenotonsillar disorders
  • Hereditary and acquired neck masses
  • Pediatric voice disorders
  • Airway reconstructive surgeries (laryngotracheal reconstruction)
  • Thyroid disorder
Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea


At ENT Specialty Group our specialists are experienced at treating snoring and managing patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

While snoring may be annoying for others and lead to embarrassing situations, it may also be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea. Our specialists ask specific questions and perform a physical exam that includes an endoscopic examinations to help distinguish between the 2 entities. Snoring can be reduced and even cured in select patients with a quick procedure called a RAUP that takes minutes to perform in the clinic. When obstructive sleep apnea is suspected a sleep study is required. When a patient is found to have obstructive sleep apnea common treatments include: surgery, oral appliance, and a CPAP device.

Benign Thyroid Nodules

Benign Thyroid Nodules


Benign thyroid nodules are non-cancerous. These bumps are treated in 3 ways:

Patients with benign thyroid nodules are often followed (surveillance) without surgery. Ultrasounds of the thyroid are performed to monitor the thyroid nodule for growth, changes in characteristics and to assess for other abnormalities in the thyroid gland and neck. If the nodule demonstrates growth or suspicious changes, a biopsy may be warranted.

When a thyroid nodule is small, it often will not cause symptoms for the patient. At times, however, patients may experience discomfort or compressive symptoms due to the size of the nodule or the specific location of the nodule in the thyroid. In these cases, some form of treatment may be required. Surgery is one of the common ways to treat these nodules.

Alternative, less invasive techniques to treat benign thyroid nodules, do exist. This includes:

  • Fine-needle aspiration (FNA): For cystic thyroid nodules (filled with fluid), the fluid may simply be aspirated with a needle. In many cases, however, the fluid re-accumulates. Some patients may still prefer repetitive aspirations over surgery.
  • Ultrasound-guided percutaneous ethanol therapy: Cystic thyroid nodules can also be treated by injecting certain agents into the bump. One such technique is the use of ethanol as an injecting agent to attempt to break down the nodule. This technique is performed at the ENT Specialty Group.
 
Graves’ Disease

Graves’ Disease


Graves’ disease is an immune system disorder that leads to a hyperfunctioning thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Patients with hyperthyroidism may experience weight loss, overheating, rapid heart rate or palpitations, anxiety and more frequent bowel movements. Patients with Graves’ disease may also have problems related the eyes “bulging out”, the orbits and the skin. At times, in this disease the thyroid gland may become enlarged, called a goiter. This may cause discomfort and obstructive symptoms (difficulty breathing or swallowing).

Common treatment options for Graves’ disease include:

  • Medication
  • Radioactive iodine
  • Surgery

Surgery is usually reserved for certain cases of Graves’ disease, including :

  • Large goiter (a very large thyroid gland)
  • Goiter causing obstructive symptoms
  • Exophthalmos (bulging out of the eyes)
  • Coexisting suspicious thyroid nodule
  • Allergy to medications that treat hyperthyroidism
  • Unable to receive radioactive iodine
  • Clinical reasons
  • Patient’s desire is to have surgery

The ENT Specialty Group information on Health Beyond Insurance (HBI) platform is intended for consumers to connect with The ENT Specialty Group, and to provide helpful information to consumers regarding providers' products and services. HBI does not endorse, guarantee, or warrant the products or services of The ENT Specialty Group, and HBI is not an agent, or representative of, or otherwise responsible for or on behalf of, The ENT Specialty Group. HBI never makes any medical decisions for you or on your behalf, nor does HBI ever take any medical action in response to information transmitted or received by the The ENT Specialty Group. HBI does not take part in any medical diagnoses, procedures, or recommendations, or in any medical, prescription, service.