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How To Detect Throat Cancer?
Question: Will a ct scan of the neck/ larynx with contrast show any cancers?
Brief Answer:
Yes, CT Scan with contrast can detect tumours...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query
Yes, CT scan can definitely help in identifying the presence of tumours in the larynx and neck. Contrast material used will enhance the presence of growth as well as a the lymph nodes affected by it. A tumour growth above 0.5-1 cm can be easily picked up in the CTscan. This can also help in staging the tumour.
Recent advancement with PET scan can help in detecting the location and also spread of tumour any where in the body.
Hope this answers your query. I’ll be available for the follow up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Yes, CT Scan with contrast can detect tumours...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query
Yes, CT scan can definitely help in identifying the presence of tumours in the larynx and neck. Contrast material used will enhance the presence of growth as well as a the lymph nodes affected by it. A tumour growth above 0.5-1 cm can be easily picked up in the CTscan. This can also help in staging the tumour.
Recent advancement with PET scan can help in detecting the location and also spread of tumour any where in the body.
Hope this answers your query. I’ll be available for the follow up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
The ct neck/larynx scan with contrast I had said I have bilateral tonsillar calcifications. Everything else was unremarkable.
What is the best way to treat these?
What is the best way to treat these?
Brief Answer:
Tonsillar calcification is secondary to presence of tonsi stones
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing back
The tonsillar calcifications are usually considered harmless. The calcification is due to presence of tonsil stones in the crypts of the tonsil. Malignancy of the tonsils presenting as calcification is very rare. In case of malignancy, there will be enlargement of the lymph nodes draining the tonsil.
Tonsillar stones can be removed by the doctor by scooping it. Maintenance of the oral hygiene and thorough rinsing of the throat after the meal can reduce the formation of tonsillar stones.
Recurrent formation of tonsillar stones can be treated with complete excision of the tonsils.
Hope this clarifies your doubts.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Tonsillar calcification is secondary to presence of tonsi stones
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing back
The tonsillar calcifications are usually considered harmless. The calcification is due to presence of tonsil stones in the crypts of the tonsil. Malignancy of the tonsils presenting as calcification is very rare. In case of malignancy, there will be enlargement of the lymph nodes draining the tonsil.
Tonsillar stones can be removed by the doctor by scooping it. Maintenance of the oral hygiene and thorough rinsing of the throat after the meal can reduce the formation of tonsillar stones.
Recurrent formation of tonsillar stones can be treated with complete excision of the tonsils.
Hope this clarifies your doubts.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Thanks doctor, I appreciate your thorough responses. Ive had some intermittent throat pain and ear pain for the last 5-6 weeks. I initially went to my doctor in mid November. He ran blood tests (all normal results) and also sent me for a CT scan of neck / larynx with contrast and the results were as follows.
Findings
Bilateral tonsillar calcifications are present consistent with past inflammatory episode. No abscess present. The parapharyngeal fat planes are intact and symmetrical.
No abnormality detected in the visualised lower brain, nasopharynx, oropharynx, larynx, thyroid, right and left submandibular and parotid glands. No calculus seen. There is no cystic or solid or suspicious mass. No cervical lymphadenopathy. The carotid arteries and internal jugular veins are within normal limits. Lung apices are clear. No foreign body or abnormal soft tissue gas. Petrous temporal bones appear clear. There is a retention cyst or polyp in the right maxillary antrum and some minor mucosal swelling in the left maxillary antrum. No bony destructive lesion or fracture seen. No retropharyngeal abscess. There is no evidence of Ludwig’s angina.
Conclusion
Unremarkable
The pain then appeared to subside after a few days.
On 22 December, I was then admitted to hospital to have my gall bladder removed. Upon waking from the operation I noticed a very severe throat pain which radiated to my ears again. I noticed my left tonsil was red and had congealed blood on it.
I recently went in for my post operative check up and explained my concerns to the doctor and he said that I had a level 2 intubation and it appears they may have irritated my tonsil and throat during intubation/anaesthesia. He prescribed some antibiotics which I’ve been taking for a couple of days.
The antibiotics appear to be helping and the pain is now no longer severe and is at a lower level but it is still there, after eating and after taking a deep breath. I also notice it is more present when bending my neck forward. So I’m hoping the antibiotics will continue to improve the situation.
Also, About 6 months back I was diagnosed with reflux which I wonder if this is contributing to all of this.
Do you have any thoughts on this?
Findings
Bilateral tonsillar calcifications are present consistent with past inflammatory episode. No abscess present. The parapharyngeal fat planes are intact and symmetrical.
No abnormality detected in the visualised lower brain, nasopharynx, oropharynx, larynx, thyroid, right and left submandibular and parotid glands. No calculus seen. There is no cystic or solid or suspicious mass. No cervical lymphadenopathy. The carotid arteries and internal jugular veins are within normal limits. Lung apices are clear. No foreign body or abnormal soft tissue gas. Petrous temporal bones appear clear. There is a retention cyst or polyp in the right maxillary antrum and some minor mucosal swelling in the left maxillary antrum. No bony destructive lesion or fracture seen. No retropharyngeal abscess. There is no evidence of Ludwig’s angina.
Conclusion
Unremarkable
The pain then appeared to subside after a few days.
On 22 December, I was then admitted to hospital to have my gall bladder removed. Upon waking from the operation I noticed a very severe throat pain which radiated to my ears again. I noticed my left tonsil was red and had congealed blood on it.
I recently went in for my post operative check up and explained my concerns to the doctor and he said that I had a level 2 intubation and it appears they may have irritated my tonsil and throat during intubation/anaesthesia. He prescribed some antibiotics which I’ve been taking for a couple of days.
The antibiotics appear to be helping and the pain is now no longer severe and is at a lower level but it is still there, after eating and after taking a deep breath. I also notice it is more present when bending my neck forward. So I’m hoping the antibiotics will continue to improve the situation.
Also, About 6 months back I was diagnosed with reflux which I wonder if this is contributing to all of this.
Do you have any thoughts on this?
Brief Answer:
Intubation trauma and acid reflux disease
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing back
1. The recent episode of throat pain following intubation is due to trauma to the laryngopharyngeal inlet. This is one of the commonest problems post intubation. For this I would have reassured the patient, advised him to drink frequent sips of warm water and put him on good analgesics. Usually, one recovers from this problem within a week.
2. As your CTscan findings are unremarkable, the recurrent throat pain could be attributed to the acid reflux disease. A course of potent proton pump inhibitor and a prokinetic can alleviate your symptoms.
Do not worry, there is absolutely no signs and symptoms of head & neck cancer. Have a great day.
regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Intubation trauma and acid reflux disease
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing back
1. The recent episode of throat pain following intubation is due to trauma to the laryngopharyngeal inlet. This is one of the commonest problems post intubation. For this I would have reassured the patient, advised him to drink frequent sips of warm water and put him on good analgesics. Usually, one recovers from this problem within a week.
2. As your CTscan findings are unremarkable, the recurrent throat pain could be attributed to the acid reflux disease. A course of potent proton pump inhibitor and a prokinetic can alleviate your symptoms.
Do not worry, there is absolutely no signs and symptoms of head & neck cancer. Have a great day.
regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thank you doctor, I appreciate your thoughtful responses and reassurance
So the throat and ear pain could both be reflux related?
So the throat and ear pain could both be reflux related?
Brief Answer:
Yes, the ear pain could be secondary to the acid reflux disease...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome back
My sincere apologies for the delayed response
Yes, the throat and ear pain is secondary to the acid reflux disease. Acid regurgitation into the throat causes inflammation of the mucosa of the throat. As the throat and the ear share a common innervation, any inflammation in the throat, the pain can be perceived in the ear also.
Secondly, the acid regurgitation in the throat can cause inflammation of the nasal end of the Eustachian tube (the tube connecting nose and the ear) leading to ear block and pain.
Hope this answers your query. Wish you good health.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Yes, the ear pain could be secondary to the acid reflux disease...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome back
My sincere apologies for the delayed response
Yes, the throat and ear pain is secondary to the acid reflux disease. Acid regurgitation into the throat causes inflammation of the mucosa of the throat. As the throat and the ear share a common innervation, any inflammation in the throat, the pain can be perceived in the ear also.
Secondly, the acid regurgitation in the throat can cause inflammation of the nasal end of the Eustachian tube (the tube connecting nose and the ear) leading to ear block and pain.
Hope this answers your query. Wish you good health.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2540 Questions
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