Swollen ‘glands’ in the neck are a common ENT problem. These ‘glands’ are more correctly lymph nodes. The human body has several thousand lymph nodes. They are part of the immune system. These lymph nodes are key in the generation of immunity against infections. The neck contains hundreds of lymph nodes. These are often arranged in chains running down the front and…
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The parotid salivary gland is one of the major salivary glands in the neck. It produces half the total volume of saliva. It is estimated that the two parotid salivary glands produce 0.05 mls per minute of saliva during rest. When chewing and eating, these glands produce up to 3 mls of saliva a minute. The parotid salivary gland lies in front…
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Cancers of the tongue can be very debilitating and painful. They often start with an ulcer or a lump on the side of the tongue. In Singapore, the cancer registry notes the rates of tongue cancer among males and females have seen a slight increase. The risk factors for oral tongue cancers include smoking, spirits and chronic irrational by sharp teeth –…
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Surgery is evolving from laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery to rigid robotic surgery and now to flexible robotics. Spent two days at Medrobotics’ VIP training programme on the latest Flexible Robotic System designed especially for head and neck surgery. Approved for ENT by USFDA in July 2015 and also recently in Singapore. This is a snake-like robot allowing access to some of the more…
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Nose cancer or nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is common in Southeast Asia. It is more common amongst the Chinese – particularly the Cantonese – due to a genetic predisposition. The consumption of salted fish which contains high levels of nitrosamines and an infection early in life with a common virus (Epstein-Barr Virus or EBV) contribute to the development of nose cancer. Nose cancer…
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A few weeks ago a 52 year old man who works in a warehouse came to see me with a 2 year history of ringing in his left ear. He had been seen in another hospital and had hearing tests and also an MRI scan of his inner ears. He was offered some medication but this had not helped. His wife suggested…
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