this is a major component of ENT medical work. It includes the assessment and management of such symptoms as sore throats, a feeling of a constriction in the throat and swallowing difficulties. It also encompasses patients who discover lumps and swellings in the neck. ENT London specialists have the range of skill and expertise as follows:

- Performance of 1000s of diagnostic procedures including laryngoscopy, pharyngo-oesophagoscopy
- Biopsies of neck masses and the procedure of fine needle aspiration cytology
- Diagnosis and management of Head and Neck cancer
- Performance of parotidectomy and excision of submandibular gland , branchial cyst and thyroglossal cyst.

Laryngoscopy & Pharyngo-oesophagoscopy: these are procedures performed to view the airway, voice box and gullet in patients with certain symptoms. Depending on the presenting symptoms and examination they may require a local anaesthetic, so performed in the consulting rooms, or a general anaesthetic, so require a short stay in hospital.

Biopsies of neck masses: these are performed to uncover the nature of the lump and can be either a minor surgical procedure, as an outpatient, or may sometimes require a general anaesthetic. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is invariably an outpatient procedure, which involves no more than a needle prick. The tissue extracted by this method is sent for cytology and frequently provides a diagnosis, so avoiding more extensive intervention.

Head & Neck Cancer: ENT London has the expertise to assess and diagnose patients with cancer, which could be of a benign or malignant nature.
- The benign lesions can be managed with our in house team but malignant lesions require a multidisciplinary
   team (MDT) approach and the ENT London specialists would direct the patient appropriately, but remain
   part of the management team.
- Tonsillectomy: this is a very common procedure for certain types of infective sore throats, but occasionally
   also for breathing problems (snoring and apnoea-see snoring)
- Parotidectomy and submandibular gland excision. These procedures are for masses in these salvia glands
   and also for stones blocking the flow of salvia, resulting I severe pain/discomfort during mealtimes
- Branchial and thyroglossal cysts, which are congenital remnants, can present as neck masses, and require
   to be removed to confirm the diagnosis

To discuss your specific requirements further, please contact our team on 0207 580 6970 who will be more than happy to assist you.