Otolaryngology - head and neck surgery
Article Abstract:
The application of genetic and molecular biology to upper digestive tract malignancies and advances in the treatment of deafness are developments in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery that are discussed. A mutation on gene p53 may be a biological indicator of tumors of the upper laryngeal tract. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy together may help patients with neck cancer avoid the loss of their larynx. Surgery may be necessary if there is no response to the initial chemotherapeutic treatment. Cochlear and auditory brain stem implants are helping deaf children to learn to communicate. The cochlea is a bone in the inner ear. Cochlear implants have helped children understand speech without lipreading. Visual attention deficits also seem to be aided by the implants. Auditory brain stem implants are used for profoundly deaf children to help them recognize sounds and lipread. Other topics discussed include the early detection of deafness in children, the association between pigmentary disorders and deafness and research into the regeneration of the hair cells of the inner ear.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1993
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Otolaryngology - head and neck surgery
Article Abstract:
Restoring appearance, speech, swallowing and chewing to patients after surgery on the lower jaw is a prime function of otolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons. Certain drugs can stimulate new bone growth, and jaw replacement plates and bone grafting are other alternatives. Chronic sinusitis in children who are usually asthmatic may not respond to antibiotics to treat the most common bacteria involved, streptococcus and staphylococcus. Sinus obstruction and lack of normal mucus movement may be underlying causes. Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a potentially fatal pediatric disease. A combination of drugs and exposure to argon laser has helped patients with severe disease. Those with severe hearing loss can now benefit from cochlear implants. Patients using conventional hearing aids may now choose a semi-implantable electromagnetic device that uses a magnet fixed to the tympanic membrane. It allows sound to hit the ossicles in the ear directly.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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Otolaryngology - head and neck surgery
Article Abstract:
Molecular techniques may help in the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The risk of this cancer has been linked with alcohol and tobacco use. Fifty-eight percent of smokers who also drank alcohol had mutations on the p53 gene that is associated with these carcinomas. Decongestants and certain antibiotics are suggested for treating acute sinusitis, rather than antihistamines. The surgical placement of myringotomy tubes to treat middle ear infections may be warranted, considering the detrimental effects on hearing and learning if other methods fail. Cochlear implants are helping the profoundly deaf.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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