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What to Expect When Diagnosed with Head and Neck Cancer

There are few diagnoses more difficult to share with a patient than head and neck cancer. Head and neck cancer is synonymous with squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCCA). When talking about HNSCCA we are referring to cancer that has developed on a mucosal surface somewhere within the upper aerodigestive tract; for instance, on the tongue or on a vocal cord. Squamous cell carcinoma can also develop in the lungs and on the skin, as well as on other sites.

HNSCCA is a very aggressive cancer that has the propensity to...

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When to See an Audiologist

There are many reasons to have your hearing evaluated by an audiologist. Hearing loss may occur as a result of genetics, aging, medication side effects, pathology of the ear, loud noise exposure, and much more. Hearing loss can happen suddenly or your hearing may slowly worsen over time. If your hearing loss is gradual, others may notice that you are having difficulty hearing before you do. It is important to have your hearing checked as soon as you notice changes in your hearing. Untreated hearing loss may lead to poor understanding, fatigue, depression, and social isolation.

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Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Blood Cancer Awareness Month

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month. Blood cancers include leukemias, lymphomas and multiple myeloma. Together these account for approximately 180,000 new cancers each year in the United States. There has been dramatic improvement in the treatment and outcomes for most blood cancers in the past two decades. Many of these cancers are more common as someone ages, but some leukemias and lymphomas are fairly common in children.

Leukemias are cancers of the white blood cells made in the bone marrow. They often present with symptoms related to suppression of normal blood production...

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What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a ringing, hissing, buzzing or roaring sound perceived by an individual in the absence of an actual external sound source. Though some are unbothered by tinnitus, many find it burdensome or even debilitating. Tinnitus is not a disease, but is instead a symptom of an underlying health problem. In fact, there are around 200 different health disorders that can cause tinnitus. In most cases, it is not a sign of a serious illness or condition.

It is best to see your hearing health provider or your family physician to determine if there are any underlying health issues that...

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Diagnosing and Treating Voice and Swallowing Issues

Your ability to speak can influence how well you communicate with those around you. Your ability to swallow can affect what and how much you eat and drink, which can have a tremendous impact on your overall health. For these reasons, issues with your voice or swallowing can greatly affect your quality of life. The UT Health East Texas Voice and Swallowing Clinic can help.

The clinic takes a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment, employing a speech therapist, Stacy Dickerson, CCC-SLP, and an otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon, Robert Strominger, MD. We specialize...

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National Breastfeeding Month

 

Hello, I am Dee Ann Pascoe, and I'm the lactation consultant (LC) at UT Health Tyler. The lactation consultant is a specialist trained to focus on the needs and concerns of the breastfeeding mother-baby pair. The LC is an extender of maternal-child services and assists to prevent, recognize and solve breastfeeding difficulties. As an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, I am committed to helping breastfeeding families reach their goals and support a positive experience.

Most of our population agrees that exclusive breastfeeding is the gold standard of...

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HPV and Cancer Concerns

After an extended summer break thanks to COVID-19, many parents are looking toward the fall and the start of a new school year. With that comes back-to-school physicals and updates on immunizations.

If your child is a tween, you should make sure he or she receives the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that can lead to a variety of cancers, such as cervical, penal, anal, vaginal and throat.

As an otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon, I frequently work with patients diagnosed with throat cancer. Since the 1960s the incidence of HPV-...

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HPV and Cancer Concerns

After an extended summer break thanks to COVID-19, many parents are looking toward the fall and the start of a new school year. With that comes back-to-school physicals and updates on immunizations.

If your child is a tween, you should make sure he or she receives the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that can lead to a variety of cancers, such as cervical, penal, anal, vaginal and throat.

As an otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon, I frequently work with patients diagnosed with throat cancer. Since the 1960s the incidence of HPV-...

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Tribute to Courage

On November 28, 2011, Cody Chandler went to the emergency room at UT Health Tyler with what he thought was pneumonia. He had no idea the reality of what he was about to face. Not only did he have pneumonia in both lungs, he also was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).

“This is a very aggressive malignancy of the white blood cells of the bone marrow,” Dr. Bob Droder,...

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Stroke Awareness Month

Did you know that stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and the leading cause of disability in the United States? It’s important to understand what a stroke is, know the signs and act fast. Once a stroke occurs, you don’t have time to waste.

A stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is obstructed, due to a blocked or ruptured blood vessel in the brain. This lack of blood flow reduces...

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