Recovering Your Voice After a Neck Injury: Tips for Singing Again
Due to a neck contusion from a car accident, speaking loudly causes hoarseness and makes it difficult to sing normally? I had a car accident on November 18, and I have bruising in my neck. Although I can speak normally now and have been discharged from the hospital, I cannot spea...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of hoarseness. It is recommended to visit a hospital to assess the function of the vocal cords, so that appropriate management can be provided based on the examination results. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of th...[Read More] Recovering Your Voice After a Neck Injury: Tips for Singing Again
Involuntary Movements of the Soft Palate: Causes and Concerns
Involuntary twitching of the uvula? I have been experiencing involuntary twitching in the area of my upper palate where it connects to the uvula. I cannot control this twitching, and when my mouth is closed, I can hear a clicking sound from my palate. When I pinch my nose, I feel...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if an examination by an otolaryngologist shows no structural abnormalities and there are still involuntary movements, it may be a neurological issue. You might consider consulting a neurologist for further evaluation. Wishing you health and safety. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue...[Read More] Involuntary Movements of the Soft Palate: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Neck Swelling: When to Consult an ENT Specialist
Swelling in the neck that is not visibly apparent? I would like to ask the doctor, I have noticed swollen areas on both sides of my neck along the midline. They do not hurt when pressed firmly, and when I bend my head down, I can feel a movable lump on each side. This has been pr...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Regarding the unclear location you described, the areas on either side of the midline could potentially involve the thyroid gland, salivary glands, or lymph nodes. If there has been no increase in size, it is mostly indicative of a benign condition. However, if you are sti...[Read More] Understanding Neck Swelling: When to Consult an ENT Specialist
Understanding Lumps at the Neck and Skull Junction: When to Seek Help
A hard lump at the junction of the neck and the back of the head? Hello, doctor: Last night while washing my hair, I felt a hard lump at the junction of the back of my neck and the back of my head (on the right side). It hurts when I press on it or move my neck. It feels oval-sha...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to first consult an otolaryngologist for an examination. Wishing you safety and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Understanding Lumps at the Neck and Skull Junction: When to Seek Help
Understanding Left Neck Swelling: Causes and Next Steps
Swelling on the left side of the neck? Hello Doctor: In August of this year, I started feeling slight discomfort on the left side of my neck. The sensation was intermittent at first. After school started in September, I noticed that the left side of my neck felt slightly swollen ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if you have undergone many examinations and it has been confirmed that there are no abnormalities, but you still feel uncomfortable, it is recommended to perform some stretching exercises or use heat therapy and massage to alleviate the symptoms. Wishing you peace and heal...[Read More] Understanding Left Neck Swelling: Causes and Next Steps
Recurring Right Ear Congestion: Causes and Treatment Options
Repeated episodes of right ear fullness for many years? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing recurrent ear fullness in my right ear since the first occurrence of this symptom three years ago. Over the past three years, the symptoms have intermittently recurred, including right ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The most common issue may be poor circulation. If you frequently experience headaches, you might want to consult a neurologist to determine if it is migraine or tension-type headache. It is advisable to maintain a regular schedule and engage in exercise to improve symptoms...[Read More] Recurring Right Ear Congestion: Causes and Treatment Options
Should I Get a CT Scan or Consult an ENT Specialist for My Concerns?
Seeking advice, please? I have been troubled by a neck tumor for a long time, so I went to see a doctor. He only performed a physical examination and determined that I have lymphadenopathy, but this lymph node measures 2.5 cm, almost 3 cm, and there is also a small mass nearby th...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, you can either undergo a CT scan or consult an otolaryngologist to assess whether there are any issues in the nasopharynx. If abnormalities are found, a nasopharyngeal biopsy will be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. You may choose the option that is more convenient base...[Read More] Should I Get a CT Scan or Consult an ENT Specialist for My Concerns?
Understanding Neck Masses: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Neck mass Hello doctor, I discovered a lump below my neck, above the clavicle, in June. Initially, a CT scan showed one lump measuring 0.3 cm and another 0.6 cm. However, by September, an ultrasound revealed one lump measuring 3 cm and two others measuring 2 cm, all of which are ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if there are changes in size, you can discuss with your clinician whether a biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis, or if continued monitoring is sufficient. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Tao...[Read More] Understanding Neck Masses: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Pain and Swelling in the Lower Jaw: Lymph Node Concerns
Pain in the lower right jaw and lymphadenopathy? Hello, doctor. A few days ago, I suddenly felt pain when pressing on my right lower jaw, and it hasn't improved over the past few days. I kept feeling both sides to locate the source of the pain and found an oval-shaped swelli...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the location may be an inflamed lymph node or submandibular salivary gland. Generally, if the size is less than 1 centimeter, it is often a benign condition. However, if the pain persists for more than a week, it is advisable to seek medical attention for further examinati...[Read More] Understanding Pain and Swelling in the Lower Jaw: Lymph Node Concerns
Understanding Neck Masses: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Neck mass Hello! About a year ago, I discovered a 1.5 cm mass located under my left ear in the neck area. I underwent an endoscopic examination at the ENT department, as well as a neck CT scan, blood tests, and ultrasound. The CT scan showed the mass to be approximately 1.0 cm, w...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If there are no significant changes in size, it is mostly a benign manifestation. However, it is still recommended to return to the original hospital for follow-up examinations every 3 to 6 months. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the ...[Read More] Understanding Neck Masses: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Pain Under the Left Ear: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Pain upon palpation below the left ear? Tonight, I suddenly noticed that there is a significant pain when I apply pressure to the area just below the angle of the bone on the left side of my jaw, about a finger's width down. The pain radiates upwards towards my left eardrum,...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if there are no obvious lumps in the neck and pain occurs only with significant pressure, it is mostly a benign manifestation. You can observe it for now, but if you still feel uneasy, it is advisable to see a doctor for an examination. Wishing you peace and good health. S...[Read More] Pain Under the Left Ear: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Moving Hard Lump Near Jaw: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
There is a movable, round hard mass located near the neck on the left side of the jaw? Hello Dr. Cheng, about 1 to 2 weeks ago, I accidentally placed my hand on my jaw and felt pain. After pressing on it, I discovered a movable, round, hard mass. Initially, I thought I was coming...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the commonly observed lymph nodes in the neck, if they are less than 1 centimeter in size, mobile, and not continuously enlarging, are mostly benign. It is advisable to monitor them for a while. If they continue to enlarge or become painful, further medical evaluation is n...[Read More] Moving Hard Lump Near Jaw: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Symptoms and Concerns
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma? A month ago, I discovered a movable, round tumor in my neck near the ear, which has a hard texture. It has not decreased in size and has not grown larger. Currently, I feel like there is phlegm stuck in my throat that I cannot clear (swallowing does not ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the swelling in that area could potentially be a tumor of the cervical lymph nodes or the parotid gland. If it is not continuously increasing in size, it is mostly likely a benign change. If you are concerned, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation for a definitive dia...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Eustachian Tube Function: Opening Mechanisms and Exercises
Eustachian tube dysfunction? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if the Eustachian tube only opens during swallowing and yawning. If I continuously tense the muscles in my neck and throat, can that keep the Eustachian tube open? Are there any actions that can keep the Eustachian t...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the Eustachian tube primarily opens during swallowing and yawning. Generally, maintaining tension in the neck and throat muscles does not allow the Eustachian tube to remain open continuously. In fact, the Eustachian tube is closed most of the time. A persistently open Eus...[Read More] Understanding Eustachian Tube Function: Opening Mechanisms and Exercises
Understanding Neck Masses: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Neck mass Hello, doctor. Last week, I noticed a lump in my neck that was about three centimeters in size and painful when pressed. Currently, it seems to have shrunk and is no longer painful to touch, but it feels hard and can be moved. I'm wondering if it will go away compl...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if the neck tumor is an inflamed lymph node, it should decrease in size after medication treatment. However, if it is larger than one centimeter and feels very hard or is not movable, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation for a better assessment. Wishing you safety ...[Read More] Understanding Neck Masses: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Neck Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Help
Cervical mass? Dr. Cheng, thank you for your hard work. I would like to ask: On October 18, 2015, I felt discomfort in my neck and noticed a round lump about four centimeters below my right ear (I estimate it to be around three centimeters). It was painful to touch, movable, and ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, The most common cause of neck lymphadenopathy is inflammation. However, if the lymph nodes are larger than one centimeter or do not decrease in size after an infection, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation to rule out other potential issues besides the inflamed lym...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Neck Lumps: Causes and Concerns for ENT Patients
Posterior neck mass Hello, doctor. I have a small lump about 1 cm in size located approximately 4-5 cm below the hairline on the back of my left neck. I'm unsure if it's hard or soft, and it hasn't changed in size or caused any pain for the past three to four years...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if the hard lump on the back of your neck has been present for three to four years, has not increased in size, and is not painful, it is likely a benign mass. It could be a lymph node or a benign skin tumor, which are the most common possibilities. You may continue to moni...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: Causes and Concerns for ENT Patients
Post-Radiation Edema in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: Common Concerns
Edema following head and neck radiation therapy? Hello, doctor. My father has T4aN2bM0 hypopharyngeal cancer. He underwent two rounds of chemotherapy in January 2015, followed by surgery in March, and then received 33 sessions of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) which...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, many patients experience edema after radiation therapy. Some individuals gradually improve, while others may have recurrent episodes of swelling. This is a common occurrence following radiation therapy. It is recommended to follow up with your physician for further evaluat...[Read More] Post-Radiation Edema in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: Common Concerns
Understanding a Soft Neck Lump: Concerns for Your Mother's Health
A long mass on the left side of the neck? My mother is 61 years old. A few days ago, she suddenly felt a lump about halfway down the left side of her neck, approximately 2.5 cm in size. It is soft and movable, and pressing on it causes only slight discomfort. Her complexion doesn...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, due to the larger size, it is recommended to visit the ENT department at the hospital for an examination to confirm the diagnosis. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the ENT Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Understanding a Soft Neck Lump: Concerns for Your Mother's Health
Understanding a Hard Lump Behind the Neck: When to See an ENT Specialist
A hard lump the size of a BB pellet at the back of the neck? In the past couple of days, I suddenly noticed a hard lump the size of a BB pellet under the hairline on the left side of my neck. I asked a colleague to take a look, and the appearance seems normal. It is painful but d...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello Mei: The most common issue is lymphadenitis. If there is pain, it may be due to acute inflammation. It is advisable to visit a clinic for a medical examination by a physician and to receive appropriate medication treatment. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chen...[Read More] Understanding a Hard Lump Behind the Neck: When to See an ENT Specialist