Head & Neck Care Services, Provided by Gateway ENT in St. Louis, MO
Head & Neck Care Center
Heads Up
At Gateway ENT’s Head and Neck Care Center we provide a thorough evaluation of the head and neck region. We take care of many patients who have changes in voice, trouble swallowing, a lump in the neck, persistent earache or sore throat, weight loss, a growth in the mouth, or bleeding. We understand that those symptoms can lead people to worry about having cancer. These symptoms more often than not are caused by a condition other than cancer. We will take the time to determine the cause, by listening carefully and reassuring patients during what may be a stressful time.
Conditions We Treat
Head, Neck & Care - Frequently Asked Questions
A Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure that removes all or part of the thyroid gland. This can be done for thyroid cancer, enlarged thyroid, or suspicious thyroid nodules. If part of the thyroid is excised which is called a lobectomy, it is generally done as an outpatient surgery. When the entire thyroid is removed an overnight admission is typically performed to monitor calcium levels.
A Parathyroidectomy is a surgical procedure that removes one or more of the parathyroid glands. Parathyroid glands are small glands around the thyroid gland that serve to control calcium levels in the body. These glands may need to be removed for tumors of the parathyroid gland or in certain cases of hyperparathyroidism which is caused by elevated parathyroid hormone.
The submandibular gland is a salivary gland located just below your jaw that helps create saliva. Many conditions can affect this gland requiring its removal. This includes tumors, recurrent infections and stones causing blockage and severe pain. It is typically an outpatient procedure and recovery is a few days to a week.
A Parotidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the parotid gland. The parotid gland is located in front of the ear just lateral to the jaw. It serves to provide saliva to the mouth. The parotid gland may need to be removed due to tumors, cancer, recurrent infections, or stones. Depending on the diagnosis the surgery can be an outpatient procedure or require hospitalization.
A Neck dissection is a procedure in which the neck is explored and lymph nodes and concerning masses are removed. This is typically needed for certain types of cancer treatments or in the workup of neck masses.
The anatomy of the head and neck region is complicated and so is the management of head and neck illness. It often requires a combination of surgical and medical intervention. This means spending lots of time with patients and their families. It is a privilege to be able to help them develop and implement the care they very much need.”
