Outpatient Surgery for Salivary Gland Tumors: Risks and Considerations
Outpatient surgery for salivary gland tumors? Hello, Dr. Lee. I have a tumor in my neck's parotid gland. A CT scan showed no tumor, but an ultrasound indicated a mass. The doctor mentioned that it can be removed in an outpatient procedure. Are there any risks associated with...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
The parotid gland is divided into superficial and deep lobes. Only the superficial lobe has the potential for outpatient excision. The facial nerve and blood vessels are located beneath the deep lobe, which increases the surgical risk. Wishing you safety.[Read More] Outpatient Surgery for Salivary Gland Tumors: Risks and Considerations
Understanding Tongue Issues: Causes of Mouth Sores and Red Bumps
Tongue issues? Hello Doctor, I have recently been experiencing frequent sores in my mouth, and I have red, swollen bumps on both my tongue and under my tongue, although they are not very painful (as shown in the link: https://iiil.io/uV9H). I would like to inquire about the possi...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
If you suspect that you may have a cauliflower infection, it is recommended to visit an otolaryngology clinic for a biopsy. The redness and swelling of the tongue can often be determined to be inflammation, but there are many possible causes (sources of infection) for the inflamm...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Issues: Causes of Mouth Sores and Red Bumps
Uneven Ears After Injury: What to Do About Ear Trauma
Ear problems Hello, doctor: I accidentally strained the area behind my ear, and now the external ear openings on both sides are uneven. What should I do?
Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
It is recommended to visit an otolaryngology clinic for evaluation and treatment. Wishing you well.[Read More] Uneven Ears After Injury: What to Do About Ear Trauma
Understanding Acute Tonsillitis: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Tonsillitis I visited an otolaryngologist, and the doctor diagnosed me with acute tonsillitis. However, after taking medication for three days, there has been no improvement, and my cough with phlegm has actually increased. The rapid test also came back negative. When can I expec...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
The course of tonsillitis is approximately 5-7 days, and it is recommended to follow up in the outpatient clinic for treatment.[Read More] Understanding Acute Tonsillitis: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
What Could a Painless Bump Under the Tongue Indicate?
Could you please provide more context or specify what you are referring to? A painless lump under the tongue could be a variety of things, such as a mucous cyst (ranula), a benign tumor, or a swollen salivary gland. While it is often not a cause for concern, it is advisable to co...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
It is recommended to visit the outpatient clinic for a check-up. Wishing you good health.[Read More] What Could a Painless Bump Under the Tongue Indicate?
Understanding Recurrent Nosebleeds: Causes and Treatments
Nasal vestibule Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing recurrent nosebleeds since last Sunday. I recall having three or four episodes last week. One instance occurred early in the morning when I woke up, and there was blood around my right nostril. Another time was during lunch w...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
Generally, it is important to first confirm whether there is a coagulation disorder through blood tests. Additionally, it is essential to check for mucosal or vascular injuries, as well as to identify any non-traumatic causes of bleeding. It is recommended to seek medical attenti...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Nosebleeds: Causes and Treatments
Conflicting Diagnoses: Understanding Ear Pain and Possible Conditions
Two doctors have provided inconsistent diagnoses, causing anxiety? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing pain when pressing on a spot three centimeters above the mastoid bone behind my right ear, extending three centimeters to the right. I first visited an ENT specialist who in...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
Subcutaneous infection occurs deeper than fascial inflammation, specifically in the mastoid process. Mastoiditis often includes symptoms of ear inflammation such as hearing loss or ear discharge. Additionally, an X-ray examination can be performed. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Conflicting Diagnoses: Understanding Ear Pain and Possible Conditions
Can Noise-Canceling Headphones Help with Hearing Loss?
Auditory nerve damage Can I still use noise-canceling headphones if I have been diagnosed with hearing loss?
Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
It is recommended to avoid loud sounds and prolonged use of hearing aids for your safety.[Read More] Can Noise-Canceling Headphones Help with Hearing Loss?
Understanding Oral Ulcers: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Oral issues Hello Doctor: This week, I suddenly developed 5 or 6 ulcers in my mouth, one of which is located near my tonsils and is causing some throat pain. Today, I also noticed that one of the ulcers was bleeding, although it was only for a moment and not continuous. I would l...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
1. Deep oral ulcers may bleed. 2. The causes of oral ulcers include enteroviruses or gingival viruses. Wounds that do not heal for more than two weeks should raise suspicion for precancerous lesions. HIV testing should be done through a blood test. Wishing you peace and safety.[Read More] Understanding Oral Ulcers: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Blood-Streaked Phlegm: When to Seek ENT Evaluation
Sputum with blood streaks? Hello doctor, my wife has been experiencing phlegm in her throat every morning for the past two weeks. After coughing it up, she notices yellow phlegm with a little bit of blood streaks. Additionally, her throat feels dry and somewhat tight, and her voi...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
It is recommended to visit an otolaryngology clinic for laryngoscopy, and sputum tests can also be conducted. Women over 45 years old with a family history of lung cancer may undergo low-dose computed tomography of the lungs. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Blood-Streaked Phlegm: When to Seek ENT Evaluation
Understanding Tinnitus: Is It Caused by Long-Term Earplug Use?
Tinnitus issues? I have a long-standing habit of using noise-canceling earplugs for sleep. However, on December 21, while I was sleeping with the earplugs in, I suddenly started hearing a low-frequency, subtle buzzing sound in my right ear. When I removed the earplugs, the sound ...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
Eustachian tube dysfunction often occurs in environments with significant pressure changes or due to certain habits (such as wearing earplugs). It is advisable to avoid unnecessary Eustachian tube irritation for your well-being.[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus: Is It Caused by Long-Term Earplug Use?
Understanding Laryngeal Papillomas: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Laryngeal papillomatosis issues? Hello, Doctor 👋～ I noticed a foreign body sensation in my upper larynx about 3 to 4 months ago, as if there is a small polyp. Sometimes it feels less noticeable, but it becomes more apparent when I eat hot food. A few days ago, I visited an ENT sp...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
1. HPV infection is possible. 2. There is a potential for papillomas to undergo malignant transformation; generally, most granulomas are benign. 3. For HPV infection, you can consult an infectious disease specialist. 4. It is possible; if there are obvious papillomas, there are u...[Read More] Understanding Laryngeal Papillomas: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Chronic Oral Ulcers: Seeking Effective Solutions and Diagnosis
Oral ulcers that cannot be cured for a long time? Hello Doctor, I have been suffering from recurrent oral ulcers for a long time. The symptoms are as follows: I easily develop 5 to 10 ulcers at a time, and sometimes they are widely distributed around the hard palate and throat, a...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
Blood tests are typically conducted to assess immune system function, and biopsies can be performed to determine the presence of fungal infections or changes in epithelial cells. Wishing you well.[Read More] Chronic Oral Ulcers: Seeking Effective Solutions and Diagnosis
Low Sleep Oxygen Levels Detected by Smartwatch: When to Seek Medical Help?
After using a smartwatch, I found that my blood oxygen levels drop below 90% during sleep? Hello doctor, I apologize for bothering you. My wife recently started using a Samsung smartwatch, which has a sleep monitoring feature that detects blood oxygen levels. We discovered that h...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
It is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist to assess whether a sleep study is necessary. Shallow sleep can sometimes be due to decreased blood oxygen levels, which may lead to positional adjustments during sleep. A sleep study can determine the patterns of sleep-related hyp...[Read More] Low Sleep Oxygen Levels Detected by Smartwatch: When to Seek Medical Help?
Unexpected Growth on Tongue: What Pregnant Women Should Know
A lump suddenly appeared at the back of my tongue? Hello doctor, I am currently over 8 months pregnant. About a month ago, I noticed a lump at the back of my tongue. At first, I thought it was a burn from eating, so I didn't pay much attention to it. However, recently, I...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
At the center of the tongue near the base, there are taste buds, and on the sides of the tongue, there are lymph nodes. During pregnancy, both taste buds and lymphatic tissue can easily become swollen. It is recommended that you visit an otolaryngology clinic for your condition. ...[Read More] Unexpected Growth on Tongue: What Pregnant Women Should Know
Understanding Chronic Nasal Congestion: Allergies or Inflammation?
Nasal congestion? Hello, Doctor. My nose has been congested for a while, with one side being blocked, but it doesn't consistently alternate sides. I've had this nasal congestion for several years. Since I don't have a runny nose, postnasal drip, or sneezing, I have...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
It is recommended to visit an otolaryngology clinic to check whether it is chronic rhinitis or sinusitis, as the treatment methods for these different conditions may vary. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Nasal Congestion: Allergies or Inflammation?
Do Endoscopies Check the Throat? Understanding Your Concerns
Throat issues I would like to ask the doctor if a gastroscopy typically examines the throat, as I am a smoker and sometimes feel a sensation of something stuck in my throat, often like phlegm, but I eat normally without any noticeable foreign body or pain. My speaking is normal, ...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
Not every hospital includes the throat in their gastroscopy procedure, as the endoscope passes through the throat. If you are experiencing discomfort in your throat, it is advisable to visit an otolaryngology clinic for a laryngoscopy examination. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Do Endoscopies Check the Throat? Understanding Your Concerns
Understanding Oral Mucosa: When to Seek Help for Upper Palate Concerns
Oral mucosa Hello, around November 11, after eating broccoli, I felt something sticky at the back of my upper palate. I drank a few sips of water, but it didn't improve. When I licked the back of my tongue, I noticed a gritty area behind the upper jaw with a granular texture...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
The area you described should be within the visual range of an otolaryngological examination. Generally, oral mucosal discomfort that does not resolve within two weeks is concerning. A more reassuring approach would be to undergo a laryngoscopy or imaging studies at the hospital....[Read More] Understanding Oral Mucosa: When to Seek Help for Upper Palate Concerns
Sudden Ear Enlargement: What Could Be the Cause?
The earlobe suddenly enlarged, with one side being smaller? My mother is 60 years old. One day, she suddenly looked in the mirror and noticed that one side of her earlobe had become larger. Could this indicate a problem? Is it possible that this is related to the medications she ...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
If there is redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the ear, it may indicate inflammation. However, if there is simply swelling, it could be due to trauma or a hematoma. Wishing you well.[Read More] Sudden Ear Enlargement: What Could Be the Cause?
Which Specialist Should You See for Throat and Breathing Issues?
Which department should I see? Hello doctor, recently I've been experiencing some difficulty breathing, specifically at the intersection of my nose and throat, feeling a bit obstructed, but there's nothing actually there. Additionally, I sometimes experience dry heaving...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
The area where the nose and throat intersect is the nasopharynx. It is recommended to undergo a nasopharyngoscopy or an otolaryngological examination if experiencing dry heaving and loss of appetite. A gastrointestinal examination is also advised. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Which Specialist Should You See for Throat and Breathing Issues?