For patients
Patient information
Cards below are independent general education summaries, not authored by the clinician. Source links appear on each card and article page.
Patient educationA lump in the neck
Most lumps noticed in the neck are temporary lymph node swellings caused by infection; however, in an adult a lump that lasts more than a few weeks or carries warning features should always be assessed. This article explains the possible causes, the warning signs and what to expect at the appointment.
Source: AAO-HNSF clinical practice guideline — Evaluation of the Neck Mass in Adults (2017)
Patient educationPersistent hoarseness
Common causes of hoarseness, what you can do to look after your voice, when to be examined without waiting, what a voice box examination involves and the treatment options.
Source: ENT Health (AAO-HNSF) — Hoarseness
Patient educationSalivary gland swelling and lumps
Swelling of the salivary glands may be caused by stones and blockage, infection, conditions that cause dry mouth, or tumours. This article explains the common causes, what you can do at home, the tests, the treatment options and the situations that need urgent care.
Source: Cleveland Clinic — Sialadenitis (swollen salivary gland)
Patient educationDifficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Difficulty swallowing means having trouble moving food or drink from the mouth to the stomach, and it is often a sign of another underlying condition. This article explains the possible causes, warning signs, the tests used, treatment options and tips for eating safely.
Source: NHS — Swallowing problems (dysphagia)
Patient educationRecovery after head and neck cancer surgery
Recovery after head and neck cancer surgery varies from person to person, depending on the extent of the operation, whether reconstruction was done and whether further treatment is needed. This article outlines what to expect in hospital and at home, rehabilitation, and when to contact your care team.
Source: Cancer Research UK — After mouth and oropharyngeal cancer surgery
Patient educationOverview of hearing loss
Types of hearing loss, common causes, why sudden hearing loss is an emergency, the tests done at the appointment, treatment options and ways to protect your hearing.
Source: World Health Organization (WHO) — Deafness and hearing loss
Patient educationSinusitis and nasal congestion
The difference between acute and chronic sinusitis, when antibiotics may be needed, what you can do at home, urgent warning signs and when surgery is discussed.
Source: NHS — Sinusitis (sinus infection)
Patient educationTonsillitis in children
Viral and bacterial (strep) causes of tonsillitis in children, testing, when antibiotics are needed, home care, urgent warning signs and when tonsil surgery is considered.
Source: NHS — Tonsillitis