Understanding Lymph Node Biopsies: Risks, Accuracy, and What to Expect
Please provide the content you would like Thank you for your response. You suggested that I could undergo fine needle aspiration biopsy or surgical biopsy. I have consulted with my regular ENT specialist and also visited an academic hospital's ENT department. However, the do...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Hello, the sensation of fine needle aspiration is similar to that of having blood drawn, and the experience varies from person to person. Our hospital performs this type of examination, and to determine whether a mass is benign or malignant, a portion of the tissue...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Biopsies: Risks, Accuracy, and What to Expect
Understanding Flexible Endoscopy: Safety and Pain Concerns in ENT Exams
Please ask another question? The hospital's website states: The newly introduced flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscope is equipped to examine the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, base of the tongue, hypopharynx, and larynx through the nostrils. It is an effective tool for diagnosing c...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer, Regarding your literal question, nasopharyngoscopy is quite safe. During the examination, you may experience some discomfort and a sensation of nasal congestion. However, some patients may feel uncomfortable due to excessive anxiety. G6PD deficiency does not affec...[Read More] Understanding Flexible Endoscopy: Safety and Pain Concerns in ENT Exams
Understanding One-Sided Nasal Congestion: Is It Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Nasal issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if my persistent unilateral nasal congestion is related to nasopharyngeal cancer. Recently, I came across some information about nasopharyngeal cancer and noticed that one side of my face is more swollen, and I have been experiencin...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Based on your literal question, the only clinical method for diagnosing nasopharyngeal carcinoma is to have an expert examine the nasopharynx to check for the presence of a tumor. Therefore, I recommend that you visit a nearby otolaryngology clinic for a physical e...[Read More] Understanding One-Sided Nasal Congestion: Is It Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Understanding Nasal Issues: Polyp Concerns and Cancer Screening
Nasal issues Hello Dr. Hong, My husband underwent a health check-up at a health examination center in July this year, and he has some issues related to his nose, including: 1. Nasopharyngoscopy: bilateral nasal polyps (which have been present for over twenty years; he feels lik...
Dr. Hong Guangliang Reply:
Hello, based on what you mentioned, a nasopharyngoscopy has already been performed, and I believe there are no obvious tumors in the nasopharynx. The nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) markers are reference indicators, but the most important factor is still the clinical findings. Typ...[Read More] Understanding Nasal Issues: Polyp Concerns and Cancer Screening
Managing Ear Effusion After Otitis Media: Tips for Parents
Middle ear effusion Hello Doctor: My daughter previously had otitis media that caused fluid accumulation in her middle ear, but she has recovered now. However, she still has persistent white nasal discharge (allergic rhinitis). I would like to ask if this could lead to fluid accu...
Dr. Hong Guangliang Reply:
Hello, the main causes of otitis media with effusion in children are related to the shorter and less functional Eustachian tubes, along with a higher susceptibility to upper respiratory infections. This allows bacteria to easily reflux from the nasopharynx into the middle ear cav...[Read More] Managing Ear Effusion After Otitis Media: Tips for Parents
Understanding Prolonged Cold Symptoms: Sinusitis and Treatment Options
Severe cold Hello, doctor. I have been suffering from a cold since February 11th (now February 27th), which has lasted for over two weeks. Initially, I only had a sore throat and fever, but later I developed a cough, runny nose, headache, and dizziness. I have seen four doctors a...
Dr. Hong Guangliang Reply:
Hello, acute sinusitis is mostly caused by a bacterial infection and typically requires 1-2 weeks of treatment with effective antibiotics. Based on your description, it does seem to align with acute sinusitis. I recommend that you closely monitor your condition and inform your ph...[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Cold Symptoms: Sinusitis and Treatment Options
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Symptoms and Concerns
Suspected nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Hello, Dr. Hsu: I had a severe cold in July and although I have recovered from the cold, I have been experiencing persistent yellow-green nasal discharge. Since childhood, I have always had one nostril blocked while the other is clear. Sometime...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, there is no need to be afraid. Generally, swelling in the nasopharynx does not necessarily indicate cancer. I would recommend waiting for the biopsy results before making any further determinations.[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Symptoms and Concerns
Severe Cheek Pain After Crying: Possible ENT Issues Explained
After crying, my cheeks are in severe pain? Hello: Recently, after I cry, I experience severe pain in both sides of my cheeks (specifically in the zygomatic area), but there is no visible swelling. When I sniffle, I notice a slightly bloody taste, although there is no actual blee...
Dr. Jian Huangqi Reply:
If you experience a bloody taste while blowing your nose, along with headaches and nausea or vomiting, it may indicate an issue with the nasopharynx or inner ear. You should visit a specialist clinic for further evaluation.[Read More] Severe Cheek Pain After Crying: Possible ENT Issues Explained
Experiencing Ear Pressure and Echoing Sounds During Exercise: Causes and Solutions
Experiencing ear fullness and a resonating sound while sweating during exercise? I am 50 years old, and I experience a feeling of fullness in my left ear when I sweat during exercise (this has only happened in the past year). For example, while playing tennis or running, my left ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, based on your medical history, the issue seems to be related to the Eustachian tube opening. During physical activity, localized swelling at the Eustachian tube exit can affect the pressure balance in the middle ear, leading to a feeling of fu...[Read More] Experiencing Ear Pressure and Echoing Sounds During Exercise: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Submandibular Swelling: Is It a Sign of Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Submandibular swelling Hello, Dr. Hsu. Last week, I felt a lump about one centimeter in size under my left ear. It hurts when pressed, and the surface feels somewhat smooth. There are no visible signs of a lump from the outside. I went to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for a consul...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, there is indeed a lymphatic drainage area located beneath the ear that comes from the nasopharynx. However, it is difficult to determine the exact location of what you refer to as "beneath the ear" and the depth of the lump based on ...[Read More] Understanding Submandibular Swelling: Is It a Sign of Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Understanding Unilateral Tonsil Enlargement: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Unilateral tonsillar enlargement? About two weeks ago, I noticed something resembling a small lump on the right side of my throat (which actually seems quite large in proportion to my throat). Last week, I visited the ENT department at Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, and the doctor said ...
Dr. Cai Hongyan Reply:
Hello! You can consult an experienced otolaryngologist. They may perform a physical examination, and if there is a mass, surgery might be necessary to rule out the possibility of a tumor. Many patients experience similar situations, so there's no need to be overly anxious.[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Tonsil Enlargement: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Pulsatile Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Imaging
Pulsatile tinnitus? Hello, doctor! After two weeks of redness and inflammation in the nasopharynx, I experienced tinnitus, which sometimes sounds like a motorcycle engine revving (or the sound of sawing wood), and at other times, it has a pulsating sound. I have read about the sy...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: In response to your question... this issue is related to the function of ear ventilation. Please consult an otolaryngologist for treatment. Keelung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan. Hsu Chia-Chen.[Read More] Understanding Pulsatile Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Imaging
Can Nasal Turbinate Hypertrophy Cause Tinnitus and Ear Congestion?
Tinnitus and ear blockage? Hello, I would like to ask a question. I have a history of nasal allergies, but I haven't had a relapse for about six months to a year. One day, I suddenly experienced a loud ringing in my left ear, along with a heavy sensation of ear fullness, mak...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello, nasal allergies and acute rhinitis (common cold) can cause swelling of the inferior turbinates and the mucosa of the nasopharynx. This can easily lead to blockage of the Eustachian tube opening, resulting in negative pressure in the middle ear and even fluid accumulation. ...[Read More] Can Nasal Turbinate Hypertrophy Cause Tinnitus and Ear Congestion?
Understanding Neck Lumps: Key Questions for ENT Specialists
Neck concerns? Dear Dr. Hsu, I discovered three lumps in my neck around May 11. One is a small, independent lump located at the junction of the head and neck, approximately 0.5 cm (A). The other two are connected, with one being significantly larger, filling the supraclavicular ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: Regarding the issue of the neck mass you mentioned, here are my responses: 1. The gradual disappearance of the mass does not necessarily indicate complete healing, so it was appropriate for the second physician to arrange for a biopsy. Sometimes, there can be concurrent ...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: Key Questions for ENT Specialists
Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns for Patients
Tinnitus Hello Dr. Hsu, I have been experiencing tinnitus for nearly two months, and I would like to describe my symptoms as follows: 1. This has never occurred before. 2. It only occurs in my left ear, with no dizziness or discharge as complications. 3. The symptom is a high-pit...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the main symptom of Eustachian tube dysfunction is a sensation of ear fullness, occasionally accompanied by tinnitus. If there is a mass in the nasopharynx, it is recommended to undergo a nasopharyngeal biopsy to rule out the possibility of na...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns for Patients
Is My Dizziness Due to Positional Vertigo? Understanding Ear Symptoms
Are my symptoms indicative of positional vertigo? Hello Dr. Tsai, My name is Keith, and I am from Canada, currently studying electrical engineering at university. Since last summer, I have been experiencing intermittent mild dizziness, which varies in intensity. The dizziness I...
Dr. Cai Zhenggu Reply:
Hello Keith, based on your description, you are indeed experiencing positional vertigo. This is a symptom caused by otoliths floating in the lymphatic fluid and coming into contact with the posterior semicircular canal. Adjusting your head position and taking oral medication can ...[Read More] Is My Dizziness Due to Positional Vertigo? Understanding Ear Symptoms
Understanding Snoring and Nasal Issues in Children: Causes and Solutions
Regarding nasal issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my son, who is currently in the first grade. Ever since he started school, he has been snoring loudly every night, which he never did before. He had a mild cold with a little cough previously and was on medication,...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: In response to your question: Your son is experiencing mouth breathing due to the enlargement of the lymphatic tissue in the nasopharynx, which we refer to as adenoids. This enlargement obstructs the choanae, leading to snoring during sleep, especially when he has a cold, ...[Read More] Understanding Snoring and Nasal Issues in Children: Causes and Solutions
Post-Ear Surgery: Understanding Hearing Changes and Recovery Tips
After my ear surgery..? I underwent tympanic membrane repair surgery on August 9th, and it has been a month since then. My recovery seems to be going well, but I have a question that my attending physician has not been able to understand. I asked why, after swallowing saliva some...
Dr. Cai Zhenggu Reply:
Hello, Miss Wan-Ju: There is a tube called the Eustachian tube that connects the middle ear cavity to the nasopharynx. When you swallow, the opening of the Eustachian tube opens, and the sound of your voice may seem particularly loud due to the excessive opening of the Eustachian...[Read More] Post-Ear Surgery: Understanding Hearing Changes and Recovery Tips
Feeling Something Stuck in Your Nasopharynx? Here's What to Know
It seems that a grain of rice is stuck in the nasopharyngeal tube? Occasionally, when I eat, I feel like a small piece, similar to a grain of millet, gets stuck in my nasopharynx, and it only happens on one side, either the left or the right. It feels like it is lodged where post...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Mr. Hong: Hello, your issue can be examined and addressed by an otolaryngologist, and it should be possible to obtain secretions.[Read More] Feeling Something Stuck in Your Nasopharynx? Here's What to Know