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As Otolaryngologists-Head & Neck Surgeons, our physicians at the Andover Ear, Nose and Throat Center are dedicated to the surgical treatment of benign and malignant lesions in the head and neck. We specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of tumors and cancers of the skin, oral cavity, larynx (voicebox), pharynx (throat), nose and sinuses, thyroid gland and salivary glands (parotid and submandibular gland). Our expertise also includes the comprehensive management of neck masses, including enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, thyroglossal duct cysts, ranulas and branchial cleft cysts.
Our physicians use a multidisciplinary approach in the management of head and neck cancer. We work closely with the local oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, nutritionists, speech therapists and social workers to provide you with the care that you need and deserve. Our physicians will follow you through your treatment course and maintain a close relationship afterwards to ensure you stay cancer-free.
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What are some signs of cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract
No one symptom signifies an underlying cancer. People who have a history of chronic tobacco or alcohol use are at a higher risk of developing upper aerodigestive tract malignancies, but the use of tobacco or alcohol is not mandatory to develop such cancers. Symptoms which can be seen in some of these patients include:
- pain or difficulty swallowing
- hoarseness or voice changes
- spitting or coughing up blood
- throat tightness or difficulty breathing
- foreign body sensation in the throat
- ear pain with swallowing
- unintended weight loss
- neck mass
Timely evaluation and early diagnosis of symptoms can often result in higher cure rates and survivals.
What is a PET scan?
PET stands for positron emission tomography. This an innovative imaging technique we sometimes obtain that uses positively charged particles (radioactive positrons) to detect subtle changes in the body's metabolism and chemical activities. PET scans can be used to detect cancerous tumors, to determine the extent of its spread and to judge the effectiveness of cancer treatment.
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