Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare and chronic medical condition characterized by the growth of benign, wart-like growths (papillomas) in the respiratory tract, primarily in the larynx (voice box), but also in other parts of the respiratory system such as the trachea, bronchi, and lungs. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly types 6 and 11. The papillomas can…
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Tonsil removal or tonsillectomy is a common operation undertaken in young children. The tonsils lie on the sidewalls of the throat between two “pillars”. These pillars are actually muscles (the palatoglossus and palatopharyngeus to be precise!). Tonsil removal can be undertaken in many ways. One method involves the use of controlled ablation (or coblation) which offers reduced pain and therefore a quicker return to normal diet…
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Tonsil stones are small yellow particles that sit in small crypts or craters on the surface of your tonsils. The medical term for tonsil stones is tonsiloliths. Tonsils are small swellings that sit on the side walls of your throat. Tonsils have an irregular surface with little crypts. This gives them a pock-marked appearance. The picture below shows enlarged tonsils. In most people, tonsils…
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[This article appeared in the July 2020 issue of Medical Connect, a newsletter produced by Eisai Singapore] Sore throats are very common and make up a substantial proportion of GP visits in Singapore. The most common cause of a sore throat is a viral pharyngitis that will respond well to supportive treatment with analgesics and gargles. A small percentage of sore throats are…
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Sore throats are common. As an ENT specialist, I see a lot of patients in our clinics in Singapore with sore throats. Most are thankfully quite mild and need nothing more than lots of fluids, some gargles, and a lozenge! But a few patients have very severe sore throats that linger. When I see a patient with a sore throat, the first…
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