Head and Neck Treatment Options

Head and neck problems require careful treatment in order to protect the delicate skin and vital features in this part of the body. Even minor wounds and infections may need specialist treatment at the ENT clinic in London in order to prevent complications such as scarring. The care that is provided at the Harley Street ENT Clinic will be explained in full by the doctor, but read on to learn more about some of the most commonly used treatments for the head and neck.

Removal of Foreign Body

Objects such as seeds, insects, beads and small toys can easily become lodged in the ears, nose or throat. In addition to being very uncomfortable, there is a risk that these foreign bodies could block the airways or cause problems such as pain, discharge and infection. The objects need to be carefully removed in order to prevent these problems without risking further damage or pushing them further into the body. The best option is to allow an ENT doctor to remove the foreign body using specialist tools.

ENT specialists can use a variety of techniques to remove foreign bodies from different parts of the head and neck. In some cases it is possible to use forceps or other instruments to remove an object that is easily visible. However, other tools may be necessary if the foreign body is difficult to see or reach. The ENT doctor may use suction, or other instruments to remove the object. An endoscope or special microscope may also be needed in order to locate the foreign body and remove it safely.

Neurotoxin Injections

Neurotoxin is a naturally occurring toxin that can be used to block nerve signals and relax muscles. Neurotoxin treatment is very safe when it is administered by a specialist at an ENT clinic in London. The Neurotoxin is delivered through a fine needle that will be carefully positioned in the muscle that requires treatment. For example, the muscles around the vocal cords will be targeted in order to prevent the spasms that cause laryngeal dystonia while the muscle at the top of the gullet will be treated in order to tackle dysphagia. Neurotoxin treatments can also help with twitching and spasms in the head and neck, including those that affect the eyelids. The effects should be apparent within a few days and can last for up to six months, depending on the area that has been treated.

Biopsy of Lesion

Lesions or growths on the head and neck can be caused by cancer. ENT doctors may need to perform biopsies of lesions on the mouth, nose, larynx, throat and other parts of the head and neck in order to determine whether they are cancerous. Depending on the size and location of the growth, different techniques can be used to take a sample for biopsy. The doctor may remove the entire growth along with a border of healthy tissue in order to ensure that the whole tumour is removed. If this isn’t possible, a smaller sample may be take by surgical excision, punch biopsy or needle biopsy. The excised growth or sample will then be tested in the lab. If any cancer cells are found, further treatment may be required, especially if there is a chance that the cancer has spread. If the lesion is benign, it may still be removed for cosmetic reasons or treated to relieve any other symptoms.

Medication

Medication is used to treat many different conditions affecting the head and neck. Common treatments include antibiotics to eliminate bacterial infections and drugs such as anaesthetic sprays to relieve pain. An ENT specialist in London can provide a prescription if necessary or advise on over the counter products that can help to relieve symptoms. It is essential for patients to understand why the medication is needed, how it should be used, and what side effects it could cause. Follow up visits to the Harley Street ENT Clinic may also be required in order to ensure that the medication is working as expected and the symptoms are improving.

Debridement of Wound

Debridement is a procedure to remove unhealthy tissue from around a wound. Tissue may need to be removed if it is dead, damaged or infected in order to help with the healing process. Debridement is more often required for injuries on the head and neck than for those on other parts of the body. Several different approaches can be used at the ENT clinic in London to remove the unhealthy tissue, including surgical debridement.

Suture of Wound

Sutures or stitches can be used to close wounds on the head and neck in order to help them to heal and minimise the risks of infection and scarring. Sutures will also strengthen the skin and provide extra support while the wound heals. Different suturing techniques can be used by ENT specialists depending on the size, type and placement of the wound. The right suturing technique can ensure that the wound heals as well as possible, with the minimum cosmetic effects. Depending on the type of sutures used, it may be necessary to return to the ENT clinic in London to have the stitches removed.