ALL FILES ON [Link] ARE UPLOADED BY RESPECTIVE USERS WHO MAY OR MAY NOT BE THE OWNERS OF THESE FILES.

FOR ANY SUGGESTIONS OR FEEDBACK, EMAIL US AT INFO@[Link]

 OTOLARYNGOLOGY

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 SINUSITIS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Head and Neck Acute Suppurative Sinusitis
Ear Chronic Sinusitis
Nose
Oropharynx PEDIATRIC OTOLARYNGOLOGY . . . . . . . . . 29
Nasopharynx Acute Otitis Media
Hypopharynx and Larynx Otitis Media with Effusion
Other Areas of Examination Adenoid Hypertrophy
Acute Tonsillitis
ANATOMY OF THE EAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Tonsillectomy
Airway Problems in Children
AUDIOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Signs of Airway Obstruction
Pure Tone Audiometry Acute Laryngotracheobroncheitis - (Croup)
Speech Audiometry Acute Epiglottitis
Impedance Audiometry Subglottic Stenosis
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Laryngomalacia
Tuning Fork Tests Foreign Body
Surgical Airway Management
HEARING LOSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Differential Diagnosis DYSPHAGIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Otitis Externa Differential Diagnosis
Acute Otitis Media and Otitis Media with Effusion DEEP NECK SPACE INFECTIONS. . . . . . . . . 37
Cholesteatoma Peritonsillar Abscess (Quinsy)
Mastoiditis Retropharyngeal Abscess
Otosclerosis Ludwig’s Angina
Congenital Sensorineural Hearing Loss Acute Tonsillitis and Tonsillectomy
Presbycusis
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss HOARSENESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Drug Ototoxicity Differential Diagnosis
Noise-Induced Sensorineural Hearing Loss Acute Laryngitis
Acoustic Neuroma Chronic Laryngitis
Temporal Bone Fractures Vocal Cord Polyps
Aural Rehabilitation Vocal Cord Nodules
Benign Laryngeal Papillomas
VERTIGO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Laryngeal Carcinoma
Differential Diagnosis
Otoneurological Examination SALIVARY GLANDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Sialadenitis
TINNITUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Sialolithiasis
Salivary Gland Manifestations of Systemic Disease
OTALGIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 NECK MASSES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Differential Diagnosis
FACIAL NERVE PARALYSIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Evaluation
Bell’s Palsy Congenital Neck Masses
NASAL OBSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 NEOPLASMS OF THE HEAD AND NECK . . 44
Acute Rhinitis Introduction
Allergic Rhinitis Etiological Factors in Head and Neck Neoplasia
Vasomotor Rhinitis Principles of Management
Adenoid Hypertrophy Carcinoma of the Nose and Paranasal Sinuses
Nasal Polyps Carcinoma of the Nasopharynx
Septal Deviation Carcinoma of the Lip
Septal Hematoma Salivary Gland Neoplasms
Septal Perforation Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity
Carcinoma of the Oropharynx
EPISTAXIS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Carcinoma of the Hypopharynx
Carcinoma of the Larynx
Thyroid Neoplasms
Thyroid Carcinoma
MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 1
 PHYSICAL EXAMINATION Note s

HEAD AND NECK

Ins pe ction of He ad and Ne ck
! position of head
! symmetry of facial structure
! look for neck scars, asymmetry, masses, enlarged thyroid

Palpation of He ad and Ne ck
! lymph node examination
• observe size, mobility, consistency, tenderness, warmth,
regular/irregular border
• occipital, posterior auricular, superficial posterior cervical,
deep cervical, preauricular, tonsillar, submandibular,
submental, supraclavicular
! salivary gland examination
• palpate parotid and submandibular glands for tenderness,
swelling, masses, or nodules

Thyroid Gland
! inspection of gland symmetry and mobility
! palpation via anterior or posterior approach
• note size, shape, and consistency of gland
• identify any nodules or areas of tenderness
! if gland is enlarged, auscultate with bell
• listen for thyroid bruit suggestive of a toxic goiter

EARS
Exte rnal Examination of Ear
! inspect external ear structures
• note position of ear
• look for deformities, nodules, inflammation, or lesions
• potential findings
• discharge: note colour and consistency
• remnant of first branchial arch: small dimple in front of tragus
• tophi: sign of gout
• microtia or macrotia: congenitally small or large auricles
• “cauliflower ear”: gnarled pinna due to repeated trauma
! palpate external ear structure
• examine for infection of external ear
• pain elicited by pulling pinna up or down, or pressing on tragus
• apply pressure on mastoid tip
• tenderness may indicate infective process of the mastoid bone
Auditory Acuity
• mask one ear and whisper into the other
• Rinne test
• Weber test
Otos copic Examination
! select largest speculum that will fit into external canal
! inspect external canal
• look for evidence of inflammation, foreign bodies, or discharge
! inspect tympanic membrane
• normal membrane: intact, translucent, gray
• note landmarks
• handle of the malleus
• “light reflex”: directed anteroinferiorly
• may see chorda tympani nerve behind short process
of malleus
• possible abnormal findings
• diseased dull, red or yellow membrane
• injection of blood vessels
• tympanosclerosis: dense white plaques
• fluid or pus in middle ear
• membrane perforation

Otolaryngology 2 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s

 PHYSICAL EXAMINATION . . . CONT.
Note s

! mobility of tympanic membrane

• only if there is a question of middle ear infection
• pneumatic otoscopy to demonstrate decreased movement of
tympanic membrane

Pars flaccida

Handle of
Malleus
Pars tensa

Fibrous Light reflex

Annulus

Figure 1. Normal Appe arance of Tympanic

Me mbrane on Otos copy
Drawing by Monique LeBlanc

NOSE
Exte rnal Examination of Nos e
! inspect nose
• look for swelling, trauma, congenital anomalies, deviation
• test patency of each nostril if deviation is suspected
! palpate sinuses
• tenderness over frontal and maxillary sinuses may indicate sinusitis

Inte rnal Examination of Nos e

! inspect with nasal speculum
• position of septum
• colour of nasal mucosa
• normally dull red and moist with a smooth clean surface
• size, colour and mucosa of inferior and middle turbinates
• possible abnormal findings
• septal deviation or perforation
• exudate, swelling, epistaxis
• nasal polyps

Othe r Te s ts
! transillumination of the sinuses
• maxillary
• direct light downward from under the medial aspect of
the eye
• observe transilluminated hard palate
• frontal
• direct light upward from under medial aspect of eyebrow

OROPHARYNX
Examination of Oral Cavity
! lips
! buccal mucosa
• pull cheek away from gums and inspect for lesions
• identify Stensen’s duct (parotid gland duct)opposite upper first or second molar
! gingivae and dentition
• 32 teeth in full dentition
• look for malocclusion
! hard and soft palates
• ask patient to remove dentures
• inspect for ulceration or masses

MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 3

 PHYSICAL EXAMINATION . . . CONT.
Note s

! floor of mouth
• palpate for any masses
• identify Wharton’s duct (submandibular gland duct) on either side
of the frenulum of the tongue
! tongue
• inspect for colour, mobility, and masses
• palpate tongue for any masses
• test cranial nerve XII

Examination of Pharynx
! anterior faucial pillars, tonsils, tonsillolingual sulcus
• depress middle third of tongue with tongue depressor and scoop
tongue forward in order to visualize tonsils
• note size and inspect for any exudates from tonsils
! posterior pharyngeal wall

NASOPHARYNX
Pos tnas al Mirror (Indire ct)
! ensure good position of the patient
• must sit erect with chin drawn forward
! with adequate tongue depression, the mirror is placed to next to uvula
and almost touches the posterior pharyngeal wall
! rotate mirror to inspect the following areas
• choana
• posterior end of the vomer: should be in midline
• inferior, middle, and superior meatus
• may see pus dripping over posterior end of inferior meatus
(sign of maxillary sinusitis)
• eustachian tubes
• adenoids (mostly in children)

Nas opharyngos cope (Dire ct)

! detailed view of nasal cavities and nasopharynx

HYPOPHARYNX AND LARYNX

Indire ct Laryngos copy
! ensure good position of the patient
! while holding tongue with some gauze, introduce a slightly warmed
laryngeal mirror into mouth and position mirror in the oropharynx
! ask patient to breathe normally through mouth while mirror is pushed
upward against the uvula
• touching the uvula and soft palate usually does not elicit a gag
reflex, unlike touching the back of the tongue
• the gag reflex can sometimes be suppressed if patients are told to
pant in and out
! image seen in mirror will be reversed
• anterior structures are seen at the top while posterior structures
are seen at the bottom of the mirror (see Figure 2)
! inspect the following structures
• circumvallate papillae and base of tongue
• lingual tonsils
• valleculae
• epiglottis
• aryepiglottic folds and pyriform fossae
• should be smooth, pink, and symmetrical
• false vocal cords
• should be dull pink, symmetrical and thicker than true cords
• abnormal if they overhang and conceal the true cords
• true vocal cords
• white and sharp-edged
• attached anteriorly to the thyroid cartilage (fixed)
• attached posteriorly to the vocal processes of the arytenoid
cartilages (mobile)
• note any irregularity of the edges, nodules or ulcerations

Otolaryngology 4 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s

 PHYSICAL EXAMINATION . . . CONT.
Note s

• note position and movement of cords

• quiet respiration
• cords are moderately separated
• inspiration
• cords abduct slightly
• ask patient to say “eeee”
• cords adduct to midline
• look for signs of paralysis or fixation

Base of tongue
Epiglottis

Pyriform fossa True vocal cord

False vocal cord

Trachea Arytenoid cartilage

Figure 2. Appe arance of Normal Larynx on Indire ct Laryngos copy

Drawing by Jason Guerrero

Dire ct Laryngos copy with Fibre optic Nas opharyngos cope

! prepare patient with topical anesthetic administered by nasal spray
! flexible scope passed via nasal cavity to view structures in the larynx as mentioned above

OTHER AREAS OF EXAMINATION

Cranial Ne rve s (see Neurology Notes)
Ve s tibular Function (see Otoneurological Examination Section)

ANATOMY OF THE EAR

Figure 3a. Anatomy of the Ear Figure 3b. Se ction through the Cochle a
For descriptive purposes the ear is Hair cells in the organ of Corti transform
divided into three parts: external, mechanical energy (vibration) into
middle and inner ear electrical impulses
Reproduced with permission from Churchill Livingston, Dhillon, R.S, East, C.A. Ear, Nose and Throat and Head and Neck Surgery. Churchill Livingston, UK, 1994.

MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 5

 AUDIOLOGY Note s

PURE TONE AUDIOMETRY

! threshold is the faintest intensity level at which a patient can hear
the tone 50% of the time
! thresholds are obtained for each ear for frequencies 250 to 8000 Hz
! air conduction thresholds are obtained with headphones and
measure outer, middle, inner ear, and auditory nerve function
! bone conduction thresholds are obtained with bone conduction
oscillators which effectively bypass outer and middle ear function

Clinical Pe arl
! Air conduction thre s holds can only be e qual to or gre ate r
than bone conduction thre s holds
! degree of hearing loss determined on basis of the Pure Tone Average
(PTA) at 500, 1000, 2000 Hz
0-15 dB normal
16-25 dB slight
26-40 dB mild
41-55 dB moderate
56-70 dB moderate-severe
71-90 dB severe
91 + dB profound
! types of hearing loss (see Figure 4)
! conductive (something is impairing the conduction of sound to the
cochlea – i.e. fused or broken ossicular chain)
• bone thresholds in normal range
• air conduction thresholds increased by 15-20 dB or more
above bone conduction thresholds
! sensorineural (the sensory component of the inner ear, brainstem or
cortex is damaged)
• air and bone conduction thresholds below normal and similar (if
the loss is unilateral it should be investigated further to rule out
acoustic neuroma, noise-induced hearing loss, etc...)
! mixed
• air and bone conduction thresholds below normal, as well as
an air-bone gap

Otolaryngology 6 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s

 AUDIOLOGY . . . CONT. Note s

250 500 1 000 2 000 4 000 8 000 250 500 1 000 2 000 4 000 8 000
-10 -10
Inte rpre tation > >
> > > > >
> >X > X X > 0 0
X = AC Unmasked X X X X X X
10 10
> = BC Unmasked X
20 20
[ ] = AC Masked X X

HEARING LEVEL (dB)

HEARING LEVEL (dB)

30 30
] = BC Masked
40 40
50 50
60 60
70 70
80 80
90 90
100 100
110 110
120 120
Figure A. Normal Audiogram Figure B. Conductive He aring
Los s (Otitis Me dia)

250 500 1 000 2 000 4 000 8 000 250 500 1 000 2 000 4 000 8 000 250 500 1 000 2 000 4 000 8 000
-10 -10 -10
> > >] 0 0 0
] ] >]
> 10 X X 10 10
X
] 20 X> 20 20
X >

HEARING LEVEL (dB)

30 30 30
X> >
X X 40 40 O O > 40
X >
X 50 > 50 O O 50
X X
60 X 60 > 60
70 70
O 70
80 80 O 80
90 90 90
100 100 100
110 110 110
120 120 120
Figure C. Conductive He aring Figure D. Se ns orine ural Figure E. Se ns orine ural
Los s (Otos cle ros is ) He aring Los s He aring Los s
(Nois e Induce d) (Pre s bycus is )
Figure 4. Type s of He aring Los s

SPEECH AUDIOMETRY
Spe e ch Re ce ption Thre s hold (SRT)
! lowest hearing level at which patient is able to repeat 50% of two
syllable words ("spondees", e.g. “hotdog”, “baseball”)
! SRT and best pure tone threshold in the 500-2000 Hz range
(frequency range of human speech) usually agree within 5 dB. If not,
suspect a retrocochlear lesion or functional hearing loss

Spe e ch Dis crimination Te s t

! percentage of words the patient correctly repeats
from a list of 50 monosyllabic words (e.g. boy, aim, go)
! tested at a level 35-50 dB > SRT, so degree of hearing loss is taken into account
! classification of speech discrimination testing
90-100% excellent 40-60% poor
80-90% good < 40% very poor
60-80% fair

MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 7

 AUDIOLOGY . . . CONT. Note s
! patients with normal hearing or conductive hearing loss score > 90%
! score depends on amount of sensorineural hearing loss present
! a decrease in discrimination as sound intensity increases is typical of
a retrocochlear lesion (rollover effect)

IMPEDANCE AUDIOMETRY
Tympanogram
! eustachian tube equalizes the pressure between outer and middle ear
! tympanogram is a graph of the compliance of the middle ear system
over a pressure gradient ranging from +200 to –400 mm H2O
! peak of tympanogram occurs at the point of maximum compliance
where the pressure in the external canal is equivalent to the pressure
in the middle ear
! normal range: –100 to +50 mm H20

Type A Tympanogram

– O +
normal middle ear pressure peak at 0 mm H2O, note that with otosclerosis
the peak is still at 0mm H2O but has a lower amplitude (called an As tympanogram)

Type B Tympanogram

– O +
no pressure peak, and poor TM mobility indicative of middle ear
effusion (e.g. otitis media with effusion) or perforated TM

Type C Tympanogram

– O +
negative pressure peak indicative of chronic eustachian tube
insufficiency (e.g. serous or secretory otitis media)

Static Compliance
! volume measurement reflecting overall stiffness of the middle ear system
! normal range: 0.3 to 1.6 cc
! negative middle ear pressure and abnormal compliance indicate
middle ear pathology

Acous tic Stape dial Re fle xe s

! stapedius muscle contracts when ear exposed to loud sound and
results in increased stiffness or impedance of middle ear system
(TM and ossicles)
! stimulating either ear causes reflex to occur bilaterally and symmetrically
! reflex measured ipsilaterally by stimulating and measuring from
same ear, or contralaterally by stimulating one ear and measuring
impedance in the contralateral ear
! reflex pathway involving vestibulocochlear cranial nerve, cochlear
nucleus, trapezoid body, superior olivary nucleus, facial nucleus, and
facial nerve (i.e. a measure of central neural function)
! acoustic reflex thresholds occur at 70-100 dB above hearing threshold
if hearing threshold is greater than 85 dB, the reflex is likely to be absent

Otolaryngology 8 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s

 AUDIOLOGY . . . CONT. Note s
! for reflex to be present, CN VII must be intact and there must be no
conductive hearing loss in the monitored ear if reflex absent without
conductive loss or severe sensorineural loss, suspect CN VIII lesion
! acoustic reflex decay test: tests the ability of the stapedius muscle to
sustain contraction for 10 s at 10 dB stimulation
! normally, little reflex decay occurs at 500 and 1000 Hz
! with cochlear hearing loss the acoustic reflex thresholds are
typically 25-60 dB
! with retrocochlear hearing loss (e.g. acoustic neuroma) may find
absent acoustic reflexes or significant reflex decay (> 50%) within
5 second interval

AUDITORY BRAINSTEM RESPONSE (ABR)

! the patient is exposed to an acoustic stimulus while an
electroencephalogram is recorded to assess any changes in brain activity
! delay in brainstem response is suggestive of cochlear or
retrocochlear abnormalities (for the latter think tumour or MS)

TUNING FORK TESTS

Rinne 's Te s t
! 512 Hz tuning fork is struck and held firmly on mastoid process to
test bone conduction (BC)
! when it can no longer be heard it is placed close to ear to test air
conduction (AC)
! if it can then be heard then AC > BC or Rinne positive

We be r's Te s t
! vibrating fork is held on vertex of head and patient states whether it
is heard centrally or is lateralized to one side
! lateralization indicates ipsilateral conductive hearing loss or
contralateral sensorineural hearing loss

Table 1. The Inte rpre tation of Tuning Fork Te s ts

Example s We be r Rinne

Normal or Bilateral Sensorineural Central AC>BC (+) bilaterally

Hearing Loss

Right Sided Conductive Hearing Loss, Lateralizes to Right BC>AC (–) right
Normal Left Ear

Right Sided Sensorineural Hearing Loss, Lateralizes to Left AC>BC (+) bilaterally
Normal Left Ear

Right Sided Severe Sensorineural Lateralizes to Left BC>AC (–) right *

Hearing Loss or Dead Right Ear,
Normal Left Ear

* a vibrating fork on the mastoid stimulates both cochlea, therefore in this case, the left cochlea is stimulated
by the Rinne test on the right, i.e. a false negative test

These tests are not valid if the ear canals are not free of cerumen (i.e. will create
conductive loss)

MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 9

 HEARING LOSS Note s

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
Conductive
! external ear canal
• cerumen
• otitis externa
• foreign body
• congenital atresia
• keratosis obturans
• tumour of canal: squamous cell carcinoma (rare)
! middle ear
• acute otitis media
• serous otitis media
• tympanic membrane perforation
• otosclerosis
• congenital: ossicular fixation
• trauma, i.e. hemotympanum
• tumour, i.e. cholesteatoma

Se ns orine ural
! congenital
! acquired
• presbycusis (very common in elderly)
• Menière's disease
• noise-induced (dip at 4000 Hz on audiogram)
• ototoxic drug (high frequency loss)
• head injury
• sudden sensorineural hearing loss
• labyrinthitis (viral or bacterial)
• meningitis
• demyelinating disease (e.g. MS)
• trauma (e.g. temporal bone fracture)
• tumour (e.g. acoustic neuroma)

OTITIS EXTERNA
Clinical Pe arl
! Otitis e xte rna has two forms : a be nign painful infe ction of
the oute r canal that could occur in anybody and a
pote ntially le thal le s s painful (damage d s e ns ory ne rve s )
dis e as e in old, immunos uppre s s e d or diabe tic patie nts

Etiology
! caused by
• bacteria: P. aeruginosa, P. vulgaris, E. coli, S. aureus
• fungi: Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger
! more common in summer
! associated with swimming ("swimmer's ear"), mechanical cleaning
(Q-tips, skin dermatitides)

Pre s e ntation
! acute
• pain aggravated by movement of auricle (traction of pinna or
pressure over tragus)
• +/– unilateral headache, +/– low grade fever
• otorrhea - sticky yellow purulent discharge
• conductive hearing loss - due to obstruction of external canal
with purulent debris
• post-auricular lymphadenopathy
! chronic
• pruritus of external ear +/– excoriation of ear canal
• atrophic and scaling epidermal lining
• +/– otorrhea, +/– hearing loss
• wide meatus but no pain with movement of auricle
• tympanic membrane appears normal

Tre atme nt
! clean ear under magnification with irrigation, suction, and dry swabbing

Otolaryngology 10 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s

 HEARING LOSS . . . CONT.
Note s

! bacterial etiology
• topical aminoglycoside antibiotics +/– corticosteroids
(e.g. Garamycin, Neosporin, Corticosporin)
• introduction of fine gauze wick (pope wick) if external canal edematous
• +/– 3% acetic acid solution to acidify ear canal
• systemic antibiotics when cervical lymphadenopathy or cellulitis
present - obtain cultures from external canal
! fungal etiology
• alcohol/acetic acid instillation, clotrimazole, locacortin (Vioforme)
! +/– analgesics
! chronic otitis externa pruritus without obvious infection -
corticosteroid alone e.g. diprosalic acid

Malignant Otitis Exte rna

! due to Pseudomonas osteomyelitis of temporal bone
! associated with diabetics, elderly, perichondritis, cellulitis, parotitis, +/– chronic symptoms
! requires hospital admission, debridement, IV antibiotics and emergent CT scan

ACUTE OTITIS MEDIA AND OTITIS MEDIA WITH EFFUSION

(see Pediatric ENT Section)

CHOLESTEATOMA ( s e e Colour Atlas I7)

! keratinized squamous epithelium in middle-ear or mastoid

Conge nital
! behind an intact tympanic membrane “small white pearl",
not associated with otitis media
! usually presents with conductive hearing loss
Acquire d
! frequently associated with pars flaccida and marginal perforations of the
tympanic membrane
! erodes mastoid bone, then ossicles
! associated with chronic otitis media with painless otorrhea
Complications
! chronic otitis media
! CNS dysfunction/infection
! late complications: hearing loss, vertigo, facial palsy
Tre atme nt
! excision via cortical, modified radical, or radical mastoidectomy
depending on the extent of disease +/– tympanoplasty
! tympanic membrane repair and ossicle reconstruction if no sign of recurrence
MASTOIDITIS
! osteomyelitis (usually subperiosteal) of mastoid air cells, most
commonly seen approximately two weeks after onset of untreated (or
inadequately treated) acute suppurative otitis media
! previously common but is now rare due to rapid and effective
treatment of acute otitis media with antibiotics
Pre s e ntation
! pinna displaced laterally and inferiorly
! persistent throbbing pain and tenderness over mastoid process
! development of subperiosteal abscess ––> post-auricular swelling
! spiking fever
! hearing loss
! otorrhea with tympanic membrane perforation (late)
! radiologic findings: opacification of mastoid air cells by fluid and
interruption of normal trabeculations of cells
Tre atme nt
! IV antibiotics with myringotomy and ventilating tubes
! cortical mastoidectomy
• debridement of infected tissue allowing aeration and drainage
• requires lifelong follow-up with otolaryngologist
! indications for surgery
• failure of medical treatment after 48 hours
• symptoms of intracranial complications
• aural discharge persisting for 4 weeks and resistant to antibiotics

MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 11

 HEARING LOSS . . . CONT.
Note s

OTOSCLEROSIS
! commonest cause of conductive hearing loss between 15 and
50 years of age
! autosomal dominant, variable penetrance approximately 40%
! female > male - progresses during pregnancy (hormone responsive)
! 50% bilateral

Pre s e ntation
! progressive conductive hearing loss first noticed in teens and 20s (may
progress to sensorineural hearing loss if cochlea involved)
! +/– pulsatile tinnitus
! tympanic membrane normal +/– pink blush (Schwartz's sign)
associated with the neovascularization of otosclerotic bone
! characteristic dip at 2000 Hz (Carhart's Notch) on audiogram (Figure 4)

Tre atme nt
! stapedectomy with prosthesis is definitive treatment
! hearing aid may be used, however usually not a good long term solution

CONGENITAL SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS

! genetic factors are being identified increasingly among the causes of hearing loss

He re ditary De fe cts
! non-syndrome associated (70%)
• often idiopathic
• autosomal recessive
! syndrome associated (30%)
• Waardenburg's - white forelock, heterochromia iridis, wide nasal
bridge and increased distance between medial canthi
• Pendred's - goiter
• Treacher-Collins - first and second branchial cleft anomalies
• Alport's - hereditary nephritis

Pre natal TORCH Infe ctions

! Toxoplasmosis
! Others e.g. HIV
! Rubella
! Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
! Herpes simplex

Pe rinatal
! Rh incompatibility
! anoxia
! kernicterus
! birth trauma (hemorrhage into inner ear)
Pos tnatal
! meningitis
! mumps
! measles

High Ris k Re gis try (For He aring Los s in Ne wborns )

! risk factors
• low birth weight/prematurity
• perinatal anoxia (low APGARs)
• kernicterus - bilirubin > 25 mg/dL
• craniofacial abnormality
• family history of deafness in childhood
• 1st trimester illness - CMV, rubella
• neonatal sepsis
• ototoxic drugs
• perinatal infection, including post-natal meningitis
• consanguinity
! 50-75% of newborns with sensorineural hearing loss have at least one of
the above risk factors, and 90% of these have spent time in the NICU
! presence of any risk factor: Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) study
done before leaving NICU and at 3 months adjusted age
! refer for hearing assessment
Otolaryngology 12 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s
 HEARING LOSS . . . CONT.
Note s

! if not identified and rehabilitated within six months, intellectual

deterioration in deaf children occurs
! must detect and rehabilitate hearing loss near birth in every case so
that the child can reach his/her potential

PRESBYCUSIS
! hearing loss associated with aging - 5th and 6th decades
! most common cause of sensorineural hearing loss

Etiology
! hair cell degeneration
! age related degeneration of basilar membrane
! cochlear neuron damage
! ischemia of inner ear

Pre s e ntation
! progressive and gradual bilateral hearing loss initially at high
frequencies, then middle frequencies
! loss of discrimination of speech especially with background noise
present - patients describe people as mumbling
! recruitment phenomenon: inability to tolerate loud sounds
! tinnitus
! refer to audiogram in Figure 4

Tre atme nt
! hearing aid if hearing loss > 30-35 dB
! +/– lip reading and auditory training

SUDDEN SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS (UNILATERAL)

! presents as a sudden onset of significant hearing loss
(usually unilateral) +/– tinnitus
! unexplained etiology
• autoimmune
• microcirculation
• viral
• trauma (barotrauma) - perilymph leak
! r/o TIA and SLE
! CT to rule out tumour or CVA if associated with any other focal
neurological signs (e.g. vertigo, ataxia, abnormality of CN V or VII, weakness)
! treat with
• low molecular weight dextran
• corticosteroids
• bedrest
! prognosis
• 70% resolve spontaneously within 10-14 days
• 20% experience partial resolution
• 10% experience permanent hearing loss

DRUG OTOTOXICITY
Aminoglycos ide s
! increased toxicity with oral administration
! destroys sensory hair cells
! high frequency hearing loss develops earliest
! ototoxicity occurs days to weeks post-treatment
! streptomycin (vestibulotoxic), kanamycin and tobramycin (toxic to
cochlea), gentamicin (vestibulotoxic and cochlear toxic)
! must monitor levels with peak and trough levels when prescribed,
especially if patient has neutropenia, history of ear or renal problems
! q24H dosing, with amount determined by creatinine clearance not
serum creatinine alone

Salicylate s
! hearing loss with tinnitus
! reversible if discontinued

MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 13

 HEARING LOSS . . . CONT.
Note s

Cis platinum

Quinine and Antimalarials

! tinnitus
! reversible if discontinued but can lead to permanent loss
! treat drug ototoxicity with IV low molecular weight dextrans

NOISE-INDUCED SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS

! may be occupational, often associated with tinnitus
! 85-90 dB over months or years causes cochlear damage
! early-stage hearing loss at 4000 Hz, extending to higher and lower
frequencies with time
! speech reception not altered until hearing loss > 30 dB at speech
frequency, therefore considerable damage may occur before patient
complains of hearing loss
! difficulty in discriminating, especially in situations with competing noise
! refer to audiogram in Figure 4

Phas e s of He aring Los s

! dependent on intensity level and duration of exposure
! temporary threshold shift
• when exposed to loud sound, decreased sensitivity or
increased threshold for sound
• with removal of noise, hearing returns to normal
! permanent threshold shift
• hearing does not return to previous state

Limits of Nois e Caus ing Damage

! continuous sound pressure of 85-90 dB and higher
! single sound impulses > 135 dB

Tre atme nt
! hearing aid
! prevention
• ear protectors: muffs, plugs
• machinery which produces less noise
• limit exposure to noise with frequent rest periods
• regular audiologic follow-up
ACOUSTIC NEUROMA
! Schwannoma of the vestibular portion of CN VIII
! most common intracranial tumour causing hearing loss
! starts in the internal auditory canal and expands into CPA, compressing
cerebellum and brainstem
! may be associated with Type 2 neurofibromatosis (bilateral tumours
of CN VIII in internal auditory canal, cafe-au-lait lesions, multiple
intracranial lesions)
Pre s e ntation
! usually presents with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss
! dizziness and unsteadiness may be present, but no true vertigo
! facial nerve palsy and trigeminal (V1) sensory deficit (corneal reflex) late complications

Clinical Pe arl
! Any unilate ral s e ns orine ural he aring los s is an acous tic
ne uroma until prove n othe rwis e

Diagnos is
! enhanced CT/MRI
! audiogram - puretone threshold elevated
! poor speech discrimination and stapedial reflex
! absent or significant reflex decay
! Acoustic Brainstem Reflexes - increase in latency of the 5th wave
! electronystagmography (ENG)
Tre atme nt
! definitive management is surgical excision from middle fossa, from
posterior fossa or translabyrinthine approach
! if unresectable: gamma knife, XRT
Otolaryngology 14 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s
 HEARING LOSS . . . CONT.
Note s

TEMPORAL BONE FRACTURES

Type s
1. transverse fractures
• extends into bony labyrinth and internal auditory meatus (20%)
2. longitudinal fractures
• extends into middle ear (80%)

1
2

Figure 5. Type s of Te mporal Bone Fracture s

Drawing by Teddy Cameron

Table 2. Fe ature s of Te mporal Bone Fracture s

Trans ve rs e Longitudinal
Incidence 10-20% 70-90%
Etiology frontal/occiptal lateral skull trauma
CN pathology CN VII palsy CN VII palsy (10-20%)
Hearing loss sensorineural loss due to direct cochlear injury conductive hearing loss secondary
to ossicular injury
Vestibular symptoms sudden onset vestibular symptoms due to direct rare
semicircular canal injury (vertigo, spontaneous nystagmus)

Other features • intact external auditory meatus, tympanic membrane +/– • torn tympanic membrane
hemotympanum with hemotympanum
• spontaneous nystagmus • bleeding from external auditory canal
• CSF leak in eustachian tube to nasopharynx +/or • step formation in external auditory canal
rhinorrhea (risk of meningitis) • CSF otorrhea
• Battle’s sign = mastoid ecchymoses
• Raccoon eyes = periorbital ecchymoses

Diagnos is
! otoscopy
! do not syringe or manipulate external auditory meatus due to
risk of inducing meningitis via TM perforation
! radiology
• Schueller's view - longitudinal
• Stenver's view - transverse
• tomograms
• CT
! facial nerve tests (for transverse fractures), EMG, Schirmer's test,
gustometry, stapedial reflexes, ENG

Tre atme nt
! hemotympanum signifies significant force sustained by the temporal
bone, therefore monitor hearing until it returns to normal

MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 15

 HEARING LOSS . . . CONT.
Note s

! medical - expectant, prevent otogenic meningitis

• IV antibiotics if suspect CSF leak (penicillin G for 7-10 days)
! surgical - explore temporal bone, indications are
• early meningitis (mastoidectomy)
• bleeding from sinus
• CSF otorrhea
• CN VII palsy
• gunshot wound
• depressed fracture of external auditory meatus

Complications
! acute otitis media +/– mastoiditis
! meningitis/labyrinthitis
! epidural abscess / brain abscess
! post-traumatic cholesteatoma

AURAL REHABILITATION
! dependent on degree of hearing loss, communicative requirements and
difficulties, motivation and expectations, age, and physical and mental abilities
! factors affecting prognosis with hearing aid/device
• poor speech discrimination
• narrow dynamic range (recruitment)
• unrealistic expectations
• cosmetic
! types of hearing aids
• behind the ear - BTE
• all in the ear - ITE
• bone conduction
• contralateral routing of signals (CROS)
! assistive listening devices
• direct/indirect audio output
• infrared, FM, or induction loop systems
• telephone, television, or alerting devices
! cochlear implant
• electrode is inserted into the cochlea to allow direct stimulation
of the auditory nerve
• for profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss not
rehabilitated with conventional hearing aids
• established indication: post-lingually deafened adults and children

VERTIGO
! patients can present with a wide range of subjective descriptions of their
symptoms: dizziness, spinning, lightheadedness, giddiness, unsteadiness
! true vertigo defined as an illusion of rotary movement of self or
environment, made worse in the absence of visual stimuli
! it is important to distinguish vertigo from other disease entities that may
present with similar complaints (e.g. cardiovascular, psychiatric,
neurological, aging)
! diagnosis is heavily dependent upon an accurate history
• description of rotary movement
• onset and duration
• hearing and tinnitus
• effect of dark/eye closing
• relation to body position
• alcohol and drug history (antihypertensives, aminoglycosides)
• medical history (vascular disease, anxiety disorder)

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
! peripheral vestibular (labyrinthine) disorders
• Meniere's disease
• benign positional vertigo (BPV)
• vestibular neuronitis
• recurrent vestibulopathy - post traumatic or post viral
• tumour - acoustic neuroma
• trauma - skull fractures, barotrauma, surgery
• suppurative labyrinthitis

Otolaryngology 16 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s

 VERTIGO . . . CONT.
Note s

! central vestibular disorders - brainstem

• tumour
• multiple sclerosis
! systemic
• hypoglycemia
• hyperventilation
• anemia
• ototoxic drugs
• vascular lesions - vertebrobasilar insufficiency

Table 3. Diffe re ntial Diagnos is of Ve rtigo

Condition Duration He aring Los s Tinnitus Aural Fullne s s Othe r Fe ature s

BPV seconds none none none

Me nie re 's Dis e as e minutes-hours uni/bilateral + pressure/warmth

precedes attack

re curre nt ve s tibulopathy minutes to hours none none none

ve s tibular ne uronitis hours-days unilateral none none

labyrinthitis days unilateral whistling none recent AOM

acous tic ne uroma chronic progressive none none ataxia CN Vll palsy

Clinical Pe arl
! True nys tagmus and ve rtigo will ne ve r las t longe r than a couple of we e ks if caus e d
by a pe riphe ral le s ion be caus e compe ns ation occurs ; s uch is not true for a ce ntral le s ion

Be nign Pos itional Ve rtigo (BPV)

! most common cause for episodic vertigo
! acute attacks of transient vertigo initiated by certain head positions lasting seconds
to minutes, accompanied by nystagmus that fatigues on repeated testing
! due to migration of a small flake of bone or detached mineral crystals
from utricular otolith organ (cupulolithiasis) into posterior semicircular
canal ––> floats to rest on one of the sensitive balance organs
• may occur following a head injury, viral infection (URTI)
degenerative disease or idiopathic
• results in slightly different signals being receive by the two
balance organs resulting in sensation of movement
! diagnosed by history and positive Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre
(see Otoneurological Examination Section)
! treat symptomatically and reassure patient that process resolves spontaneously
• commonly treated with exercise to continually stimulate
vestibular system to allow it to compensate
• drugs to suppress the vestibular system delay eventual recovery
and are therefore not used
Me nie re 's Dis e as e (e ndolymphatic hydrops )
! affects the young to middle-aged
! characterized by the quadrad of vertigo, hearing loss,
tinnitus, and aural fullness
! early in the disease, hearing returns to normal in the attack-free states
! later stages are characterized by a unilateral, fluctuating
low-tone deafness and a persistance of tinnitus
! attacks come in clusters and may be very debilitating to the patient,
may be triggered by stress
! most hearing loss becomes bilateral with time
! vertigo disappears with time and patient is left only with hearing loss
! pathogenesis: abnormal buildup of K+
• increase in osmotic pressure causes a rupture of Reissner's
membrane which divides the endo- and perilymphatic spaces
• disruption allows for mixing of endo and perilymph resulting in a
net rise of K+ in the intracellular space
• as a result afferent neurons of the acoustic and vestibular nerves
are depolarized (causing symptoms)

MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 17

 VERTIGO . . . CONT.
Note s

• periodic resolution occurs when the membrane reseals and

chemical composition of endolymph and perilymph normalizes
! treatment
• acute management may consist of bedrest, IV antiemetics,
antivertiginous drugs, and low molecular weight dextrans
• longterm management may be
• medical
• low salt diet, K+ sparing diuretics (e.g. triamterene, amiloride)
• local application of gentamicin to destroy vestibular end-organ
• surgical - selective vestibular neurectomy or transtympanic labyrinthectomy
• may recur in opposite ear after treatment

Re curre nt Ve s tibulopathy
! episodic vertigo of similar duration as Meniere's
! etiology unknown
• ?transient deafferentation of vestibular nerve
• ?post-traumatic
• ?post-viral
! no hearing loss, tinnitus, or focal neurological deficit
! peak age 30-50 years old, M = F
! treatment: symptomatic, most eventually go into remission

Ve s tibular Ne uronitis
! unknown etiology (microvascular upset due to infection, autoimmune
process, or a metabolic disorder)
! severe vertigo with nausea, vomiting, and inability to stand or walk
! symptoms can last for 3 to 4 days (risk of dehydration from vomiting)
! attacks leave patient with unsteadiness and imbalance for months
! repeated attacks can occur

Labyrinthitis
! sudden onset of dizziness, nausea, vomiting, whistling noises, and
deafness, with no associated fever or pain
! may occur through spread from a cholesteatomic fistula or through
direct infection after a transverse fracture of the temporal bone or
post-operative infection
! treat with IV antibiotics, drainage of middle ear +/– mastoidectomy
! beware of meningeal extension and labyrinth destruction

OTONEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATION
! otoscopy
! cranial nerve testing (II-XII inclusive)
! cerebellar testing

Nys tagmus
! assess nystagmus - describe quick phase, avoid examining in
extremes of lateral gaze
! horizontal nystagmus that beats in the same direction = peripheral
vestibular disorder
• the lesion is usually on side of the slow beat, with the fast phase
beating away from the side of the lesion
! horizontal nystagmus that changes direction with gaze deviation
= central vestibular disorder
! vertical upbeating nystagmus = brainstem disease
! vertical downbeating nystagmus, usually = medullocervical
localization (e.g. Arnold-Chiari)

Dix-Hallpike Pos itional Te s ting with Fre nze l's (Magnifying) Eye glas s e s
! the patient is rapidly moved from a sitting position to a supine
position with the head hanging over the end of the table, turned to
one side, this position is held for 20 seconds
! onset of vertigo is noted and the eyes are observed for nystagmus
! the patient sits up and the maneouvre is then repeated with the head
turned to the opposite side
! rotatory nystagmus beating towards floor (geotropic), which is
accompanied by vertigo, is reproducible and fatigues, is associated
with benign positional vertigo (BPV)

Otolaryngology 18 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s

 VERTIGO . . . CONT.
Note s

As s e s s Brain Pe rfus ion

! carotid bruits, subclavian stenosis
! positional blood pressure measurements

Balance Te s ting
! Romberg’s test: patient stands upright with feet together, eyes closed,
and arms folded in front of chest
• sway is associated with loss of either joint proprioception or a
peripheral vestibular disturbance
• the patient leans or tends to fall toward the side of the diseased labyrinth
! Unterberger’s test: marching on the spot with the eyes closed
• peripheral disorders: rotation of body to the side of the labyrinthine lesion
• central disorders: deviation is irregular

Ele ctronys tagmography (ENG)

! electrodes placed around eyes
! eye is a dipole, cornea (+), retina (–)
! used to measure rate, amplitude, and frequency of nystagmus
elicited by different stimuli

Caloric Stimulation Te s t
! with the patient supine, the neck is flexed 30 degrees to bring the
horizontal semicircular canal into a vertical position. The volume of
endolymph is changed by irrigating the labyrinthine capsule with
water at 30ºC or 44ºC for 35 seconds
! the change in volume causes deflection of the cupula and
subsequent nystagmus through the vestibuloocular reflex
! the extent of response indicates the function of the stimulated labyrinth
! cold water will result in nystagmus to the opposite side of irrigation and
warm to the same (COWS - cold opposite, warm same)

TINNITUS
! an auditory perception in the absence of stimulation, often very
annoying to the patient
! etiology
• presbycusis (most common cause in elderly)
• serous otitis media (most common cause in young)
• Meniere's Disease
• acoustic trauma
• labyrinthitis = acoustic neuronitis
• acoustic neuroma
• MS
! pulsatile (objective) tinnitus (rare)
• bruits due to vascular lesions (e.g. glomus jugulare,
hemangiomas, carotid body tumours, AVM, internal carotid artery bruits)
• patulous eustachian tube
! clicking tinnitus
• myoclonus of muscles - stapedius, tensor tympani, levator and tensor palati
• tetany

Tre atme nt
! mask tinnitus
• white noise masking devices
• hearing aid
• music earphones
! tinnitus support groups
! psychotherapy
! trial of tocainamide

MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 19

 OTALGIA Note s

Local
! furuncle
! foreign body in external auditory canal/impacted cerumen
! otitis externa
! trauma to tympanic membrane and canal
! acute otitis media and its complications
! acute mastoiditis and its complications
! barotrauma

Re fe rre d (10 T's + 2) - see Figure 6

! pain referred to ear from sites in pharynx or oral cavity
! CN V and CN X refer to external canal and CN IX to middle ear
1) teeth - impacted
2) throat - cancer of larynx, vallecula, pyriform fossa
3) thyroiditis
4) tic (CN IX) - glossopharyngeal neuralgia
5) TMJ syndrome
6) tongue
7) tonsillitis, tonsillar cancer, post tonsillectomy
8) trachea - FB, tracheitis
9) trismus (i.e. pterygoids, quinsy)
10) eustachian tube
11) geniculate herpes and Ramsey Hunt Syndrome
12) +/– CN VII palsy

This can be due to pathology in those sites which have a dual nerve supply with
the ear. All these potential penpheral areas must be examined in all cases of
referred otalgia

Figure 6. Re fe rre d or Non-Otological Otalgia

Reproducedwith permission from Churchill Livingston, Dhillon, R.S, East, C.A. Ear, Nose and Throat and Head and Neck Surgery. Churchill Livingston, UK, 1994.

Otolaryngology 20 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s

 FACIAL NERVE PARALYSIS Note s

Etiology
! supranuclear and nuclear
• MS
• cerebral vascular lesions, pseudobulbar palsy
• poliomyelitis
• cerebral tumours
! infranuclear
• Bell's palsy
• trauma: birth, temporal bone fracture, surgical
• cholesteatoma
• CPA tumours (acoustic neuroma, glomus jugulare, meningioma,
neurofibroma)
• suppuration: acute/chronic otitis media
• Ramsay Hunt syndrome (Herpes zoster infection of external
auditory meatus and auricle, may affect CN VII)
• MS
• Guillain-Barré syndrome

Diagnos is
! supranuclear lesions: movement of upper part of face is likely to be
unaffected as the frontalis muscle receives bilateral corticobulbar
innervation
! nerve conduction tests and EMG
! site of lesion testing (e.g. stapedial reflexes, Schirmer's, taste to
anterior 2/3 of tongue)

Tre atme nt
! treat according to etiology plus provide corneal protection with artificial
tears, nocturnal lid taping, tarsorrhaphy, gold weighting of upper lid

BELL'S PALSY (s e e Colour Atlas I1)

! a diagnosis of exclusion, therefore must rule out other causes of facial
paralysis (e.g. ear infection)
! idiopathic, may be a disturbance of microcirculation +/– viral etiology
! 80% recover
! sequelae: "crocodile tears", facial asymmetry and ectropion, corneal
abrasions
! treat with steroids (e.g. oral prednisone), stellate ganglion block or low
molecular weight dextrans with decompression of nerve
reserved for progressive denervation

NASAL OBSTRUCTION
Table 4. Diffe re ntia1 Diagnos is of Nas al Obs truction
Acquire d Conge nital
nas al cavity
rhinitis - acute/chronic nasal dermoid
- vasomotor encephalocele
- allergic glioma
polyps
foreign bodies
trauma
enlarged turbinates
tumour
- benign- inverting papilloma
- malignant- squamous cell carcinoma
esthesioneuroblastoma
adenocarcinoma
nas al s e ptum
septal deviation dislocated septum
septal hematoma/abscess
nas opharynx
adenoid hypertrophy choanal atresia
tumour - nasopharyngeal carcinoma
- benign - juvenile nasopharyngeal
angiofibroma
- malignant: nasopharyngeal carcinoma

MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 21

 NASAL OBSTRUCTION . . . CONT.
Note s

Table 5. Nas al Dis charge : Characte r and As s ociate d

Conditions
Characte r As s ociate d Conditions

watery/mucoid allergic, viral, vasomotor, CSF leak

mucopurulent bacterial, foreign body

serosanguineous neoplasia

bloody trauma, neoplasia, bleeding disorder,

hypertension/vascular disease

Middle meatus Middle turbinate

Septum
Inferior meatus
Inferior turbinate

Figure 7. Normal Appe arance of Nas al Cavity on Spe culum Exam

Drawing by Vince Mazzurco

ACUTE RHINITIS
! irritation of nasal mucosa due to any cause
! most common cause is common cold
! children < 5 years most susceptible
! spread by droplet contact from sneezing

Figure 8. Caus e s of Rhinitis

Reproduced with permission from Churchill Livingston, Dhillon, R.S, East, C.A.
Ear, Nose and Throat and Head and Neck Surgery. Churchill Livingston, UK, 1994.

Etiology
! viral (ususally rhinovirus), may have secondary bacterial infection

Pre s e ntation
! irritation/burning sensation in nasopharynx; sneezing
! serous nasal discharge, may be purulent if secondary bacterial infection
! nasal obstruction, mucosal swelling and erythema
! +/– fever and malaise
! symptoms subside in 4-5 days

Otolaryngology 22 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s

 NASAL OBSTRUCTION . . . CONT.
Note s

Complications
! sinusitis
! otitis media
! bronchitis
! tonsillitis
! pneumonia

Tre atme nt
! rest, fluids, normal diet
! oral decongestants for symptomatic relief
! +/– analgesics, antihistamine, corticosteroid spray
! (e.g. triamcinolone, fluticasone, betamethasone)
! no indication for antibiotics, unless secondary bacterial infection present

Clinical Pe arl
! Conge s tion re duce s nas al airflow and allows the nos e to re pair its e lf.
Tre atme nt s hould focus on the initial ins ult rathe r than at this de fe ns e me chanis m

ALLERGIC RHINITIS (HAY FEVER)

! acute and seasonal or chronic and perennial
! perennial allergic rhinitis often confused with recurrent colds

Pre s e ntation
! early onset (< 20 years)
! past history or family history of allergies/atopy
! obstruction
! sneezing
! clear, recurrent rhinorrhea (containing increased eosinophils)
! itching of nose and eyes
! tearing
! frontal headache and pressure
! mucosa - swollen, pale, lavender colour, and “boggy"
! seasonal (summer, spring, early autumn)
• pollens from trees
• lasts several weeks, disappears and recurs following year at same time
! perennial
• inhaled: house dust, wool, feather, foods, tobacco, hair, mould
• ingested: wheat, eggs, milk, nuts
• occurs intermittently for years with no pattern or may be constantly present
Complications
! chronic sinusitis
! serous otitis media
! nasal polyps
Diagnos is
! history
! skin/allergy testing: scratch test, intradermal injections
! nasal speculum exam
Tre atme nt
! identification and avoidance of allergen
! oral decongestants
! antihistamines
! injection of long-lasting steroid if severe
! topical steroid sprays, e.g. fluticasone (Flonase) - effective for seasonal rhinitis
! desensitization by allergen immunotherapy

VASOMOTOR RHINITIS
! neurovascular disorder of nasal parasympathetic system (vidian nerve)
affecting mucosal blood vessels
! nonspecific reflex hypersensitivity of nasal mucosa
! caused by
• temperature change
• alcohol, dust, smoke
• stress, anxiety, neurosis
• endocrine - hypothyroidism, pregnancy, menopause
• parasympathomimetic drugs
• beware of rhinitis medicamentosa: reactive vasodilation due to
prolonged use (> 2 days) of nasal drops and sprays (Dristan, Otravin)
MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 23
 NASAL OBSTRUCTION . . . CONT.
Note s

Pre s e ntation
! chronic intermittent nasal obstruction, varies from side to side
! rhinorrhea: thin, watery, worse with temperature changes, stress,
exercise, EtOH
! nasal allergy must be ruled out
! mucosa and turbinates: swollen, pale between exposure
! symptoms are often more severe than clinical presentation suggests

Tre atme nt
! elimination of irritant factors
! parasympathetic blocker (Atrovent nasal spray)
! decongestants (nose drops/oral)
! steroids (e.g. Beclomethasone)
! surgery: electrocautery, cryosurgery, laser treatment or removal of
inferior or middle turbinates
! vidian neurectomy (rarely done)
! symptomatic relief with exercise (increased sympathetic tone)

ADENOID HYPERTROPHY (see Pediatric ENT Section)

NASAL POLYPS
! benign pedunculated/sessile masses of hyperplastic ethmoidal
mucosa caused by inflammation
! antrochoanal polyps - (uncommon) arise from maxillary sinus and
extend beyond the soft palate into the nasopharynx
! may obstruct airway

Etiology
! mucosal allergy (majority)
! chronic rhinitis/sinusitis (ethmoids)
! idiopathic
! note: triad of polyps, aspirin sensitivity, asthma
! cystic fibrosis/bronchiectasis (child with polyps - cystic fibrosis until
proven otherwise)
Pre s e ntation
! progressive nasal obstruction, hyposmia, snoring
! post-nasal drip, stringy colourless/purulent rhinorrhea
! solitary/multiple glazed, smooth, transparent mobile masses
(often bilateral)
Tre atme nt
! eliminate allergen
! steroids (preoperative prednisone) to shrink polyp
! polypectomy - treatment of choice, however, polyps have marked
tendency to recur
Complications
! sinusitis
! mucocele
! nasal widening (pseudohypertelorism)
SEPTAL DEVIATION
Etiology
! developmental - unequal growth of cartilage and/or bone of
nasal septum
! traumatic - facial and nasal fracture or birth injury
Pre s e ntation
! unilateral nasal obstruction (may be intermittent)
! anosmia, crusting, facial pain
! recurrent ear infections, recurrent sinus infections
! septum: S-shaped, angular deviation, spur
! compensatory middle/inferior turbinate hypertrophy on nasal space

Otolaryngology 24 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s

 NASAL OBSTRUCTION . . . CONT.
Note s

Tre atme nt
! if asymptomatic - expectant management
! if symptomatic - submucous resection (SMR) or septoplasty
Complications of s urge ry
! post-op hemorrhage (can be severe)
! septal hematoma, septal perforation
! external deformity (saddle-nose)
! anosmia (rare but untreatable)
SEPTAL HEMATOMA
! most common in children - secondary to trauma, even mild trauma
may lead to infection ––> abscess ––> cavernous sinus thrombosis
! septal perforation
! ischemic necrosis of septum and saddle deformity
Pre s e ntation
! nasal obstruction
! pain/tenderness
! occurs in anterior part of septum
! swollen nose
Tre atme nt
! incision and drainage with nasal packing
! antibiotics
SEPTAL PERFORATION
Etiology
! trauma: surgery, physical, digital
! infection: syphilis, tuberculosis
! inflammatory: SLE
! neoplasia: squamous/basal cell, malignant granuloma infection
! miscellaneous: cocaine sniffing, chromic gases
Pre s e ntation
! perforation seen on exam
! crusting
! recurrent epistaxis
! whistling on inspiration/expiration
Tre atme nt
! refer suspected neoplasia for biopsy
! surgical closure for small perforations, occlusion with Silastic buttons,
free fascial graft, mucosal flap

EPISTAXIS

anterior ethmoid

posterior ethmoid
frontal sinus

sphenoidal sinus

Kiesselbach’s
plexus
septal branch of
sphenopalatine
branch from
superior labial greater palatine

Figure 9. Nas al Se ptum and its Blood Supply

Drawing by Victoria Rowsell
MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 25
 EPISTAXIS . . . CONT.
Note s
! blood supply to the nasal septum
• superior posterior septum: internal carotid ––> ophthalmic artery
––> ant and post ethmoidal
• posterior septum: external carotid ––> internal maxillary ––>
sphenopalatine artery
• lower anterior septum: external carotid ––> facial artery ––>
superior labial artery
• these arteries all anastomose to form Kiesselbach’s plexus,
located at Little’s area (anterior portion of the cartilaginous
septum), this area is responsible for approximately 90% of nosebleeds
• bleeding from above middle turbinate is internal carotid, from
below, external carotid

Table 6. Etiology of Epis taxis

Type Caus e s

local idiopathic (most)

injection (vestibulitis)
trauma (digital, dry air)
foreign body
tumours
benign - junvenile angiofibroma (occurs in adolescent males)
- polyps
maligant - squamous cell carcinoma

s ys te mic hypertension
arteriosclerosis
drugs (anticoagulants, e.g. aspirin and coumadin)
bleeding disorders
hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Osler-Weber-Rendu disease)

Tre atme nt
! aim is to localize bleeding and achieve hemostasis
! first-aid
• patient sits upright with mouth open (to prevent swallowing)
• firm pressure is applied for 5 minutes superior to nasal alar
cartilages (not bony pyramid!)
! assess blood loss (it can be a potentially fatal hemorrhage)
• pulse and BP
• sign of shock
• IV NS, cross match for 2 units packed RBCs if significant
! determine site of bleeding
• if suspicion, coagulation studies
• insert cotton pledget of 4% cocaine, visualize nasal cavity with
speculum and aspirate excess blood and clots
• anterior/posterior hemorrhage defined by location in
relationship to bony septum
! control the bleeding
• first line topical vasoconstrictors
• if first line fails and can adequately visualize bleeding source can
try and cauterize with silver nitrate
• do not attempt to cauterize both sides of the septum because of
the risk of septal perforation
! anterior hemorrhage treatment
• if fail to achieve hemostasis with cauterization
• anterior pack with half inch vaseline and bismuth-coated gauze
strips or absorbable packing (i.e. Gelfoam) layered from nasal
floor toward nasal roof extending to posterior choanae for 2-3 days
• can also attempt packing with Merocel or nasal tampons of different shapes
! posterior hemorrhage treatment
• if unable to visualize bleeding source, then usually posterior source
• insert cotton pledget with 4% cocaine
• different ways of placing a posterior pack with a Foley
catheter, gauze pack or a Nasostat balloon
• bilateral anterior pack is layered into position
• antibiotics for any posterior pack or any pack in longer than 48 hours
• admit to hospital with packs in for 3 to 5 days watch for
complications such as hypoxemia (naso-pulmonic reflex) and toxic
shock syndrome (if present remove packs immediately)
Otolaryngology 26 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s
 EPISTAXIS . . . CONT.
Note s
! if anterior/posterior packs fail to control epistaxis
• selective catheterization and embolization of branches of
external carotid artery
• vessel ligation of
• anterior/posterior ethmoid artery
• internal maxillary
• external carotid

Pre ve ntion
! prevent drying of nasal mucosa with humidifiers, saline spray, or
topical ointments
! avoidance of irritants
! medical management of hypertension

SINUSITIS
De ve lopme nt of Sinus e s
! birth - ethmoid and small maxillary buds present
! age 9 - maxillary full grown, frontal and sphenoid cell starting
! age 18 - frontal and sphenoid cell full grown

Drainage of Sinus e s
! frontal, maxillary, anterior ethmoids: middle meatus
! posterior ethmoid: superior meatus
! sphenoid: sphenoid ostium (at level of superior meatus)

Pathoge ne s is of Sinus itis

! inflammation of the mucosal lining of the paranasal sinuses
! anything that blocks air entry into the sinuses predisposes them to
inflammation

Figure 10. The Paranas al Sinus e s

Reproduced with permission from Churchill Livingston, Dhillon, R.S, East, C.A. Ear, Nose and Throat and Head and Neck Surgery. Churchill Livingston, UK, 1994.

ACUTE SUPPURATIVE SINUSITIS

! associated with
• common cold
• swimming/diving
• diseased tooth roots
! organisms
• S. pneumonia
• H. influenza
• S. aureus - diabetic
• Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, anaerobes
• in immunocompromised patients beware of fungal sinusitis
––> mucormycoses 50% fatal
Pre s e ntation
! stuffy nose, purulent rhinorrhea
! malaise, fever, headache exacerbated by bleeding
! pressure/pain over involved sinus
• maxillary - over cheek and upper teeth
• ethmoids - medial and deep to eye
• frontal - forehead
• sphenoid - vertex
! mucosa hyperemic and edematous with enlarged turbinates
! x-ray - involved sinus opaque +/– fluid level (s e e Colour Atlas I9)

MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 27

 SINUSITIS . . . CONT.
Note s

Tre atme nt
! analgesics and decongestants - systemic and nose drops
! hot compresses
! antibiotics - oral with maxillary, and IV with frontal or ethmoid sinus
involvement or orbital complications
! first line: amoxicillin, if failure can go to amoxicillin + clavulanic acid
(Clavulin) or cefaclor
! surgery
• maxillary - antral puncture and lavage
• frontal/ethmoid - trephine of superior medial orbital canthus,
irrigate, and drain
• sphenoid - drain via posterior ethmoids

CHRONIC SINUSITIS
! irreversible changes in lining membrane of one or more sinuses due to
• neglect of acute and subacute phase
• recurrent attacks or obstruction of osteomeatal complex (by
polyp, deviated septum, FB, allergic rhinitis, or anatomic
narrowing)

Pre s e ntation
! chronic nasal obstruction
! pain over sinus or headache
! halitosis
! yellow-brown post-nasal discharge

Tre atme nt
! dependent upon involved sinus, as confirmed by coronal CT of head
! decongestants, antibiotics, steroids; if fails, then surgery

Surgical Tre atme nt

! removal of all diseased soft tissue and bone, post-op drainage and
obliteration of pre-existing sinus cavity
! Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)
! open surgical approach for extensive disease
! Ethmoid
• intranasal ethmoidectomy via endoscopy - fenestration made into
the maxillary sinus which usually restores mucociliary clearance
• complications of unresolved ethmoid sinusitis
• first signs - proptosis, diplopia, chemosis, ophthalmoplegia, poor acuity
• periorbital or orbital edema, cellulitis, abscess
• periostitis
• phlegmon
! Frontal
• trephination
• frontoethmoidectomy - removal of mucosa and floor of sinus
together with an ethmoidectomy
• complications of frontal sinusitis (see Figure 11)
• mucocele
• Pott's puffy tumour (osteomyelitis of frontal bone often with fistula formation)
Osteomyelitis
Subdural Abscess

Figure 11. Complications of Frontal Sinus itis

Reproduced with permission from Churchill Livingston, Dhillon, R.S, East, C.A. Ear, Nose and Throat and Head and Neck Surgery. Churchill Livingston, UK, 1994.

Otolaryngology 28 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s

 SINUSITIS . . . CONT.
Note s
! Maxillary
• antrostomy by either enlarging the natural ostium
or removing a segment of the sinus floor
• Caldwell-Luc operation - a sublabial approach to
removal of diseased lining of the sinus
• complications
• mucocele
• oroantral fistula
• facial cellulitis
• tooth-loosening
• osteomyelitis of skull vault bones or upper jaw

PEDIATRIC OTOLARYNGOLOGY
ACUTE OTITIS MEDIA
! inflammation of middle ear associated with pain, fever, irritability,
anorexia, or vomiting
! 60-70% of children have at least 1 episode of AOM before 3 years of age
! 18 months to 6 years most common age group
! peak incidence January to April
! one third of children have had 3 or more episodes by age 3

Etiology
! S. pneumoniae - 35% of cases
! H. influenzae - 25% of cases
! M. catarrhalis
! S. aureus and S. pyogenes (all ß-lactamase producing)
! anaerobes (newborns)
! viral

Pre dis pos ing Factors

! eustachian tube dysfunction/obstruction
• swelling of tubal mucosa
• URTI
• allergies/allergic rhinitis
• chronic sinusitis
• obstruction/infiltration of eustachian tube ostium
• tumour - nasopharyngeal CA (adults)
• adenoid hypertrophy
• barotrauma (sudden changes in air pressure)
• inadequate tensor palati function - cleft palate
• abnormal spatial orientation of eustachian tube
• Down's Syndrome (horizontal position of eustachian tube),
Crouzon's, and Alport's syndrome
! disruption of action of
• cilia of eustachian tube - ?Kartagener's syndrome
• mucus secreting cells
• capillary network that provides humoral factors, PMNs,
phagocytic cells
! immunosupression due to
• chemotherapy
• steroids
• diabetes mellitus
• hypogammaglobulinemia
• cystic fibrosis

Ris k Factors
! bottle feeding
! passive smoke
! day care/group child care facilities

Pathoge ne s is
! obstruction of eustachian tube ––> air absorbed in middle ear ––>
negative pressure (an irritant to middle ear mucosa) ––> edema of
mucosa with exudate ––> infection of exudate

MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 29

 PEDIATRIC OTOLARYNGOLOGY . . . CONT. Note s

Pre s e ntation
! triad of otalgia, fever, and conductive hearing loss
! fullness of ear
! otorrhea if tympanic membrane perforated (s e e Colour Atlas I8)
! pain over mastoid
! infants/toddlers
• ear-tugging
• irritable, poor sleeping
• vomiting and diarrhea
• anorexia
! otoscopy of tympanic membrane (s e e Colour Atlas I5)
• hyperemia
• bulging
• contour of handle of malleus and short process disappear

Tre atme nt
! antibiotic treatment hastens resolution - 10 day course
• amoxicillin - 1st line
• trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (Bactrim) - if penicillin-allergic
• AOM deemed “unresponsive” if clinical signs and symptoms and
otoscopic findings persist beyond 48 hours of antibiotic treatment
• change to broad spectrum: cefaclor (Ceclor), erythromycin +
sulfisoxizole (Pediazole), cefixime (Suprax)
• clarithromycin (Biaxin) for recurrent AOM
! antipyretics (e.g. acetaminophen)
! no role for decongestants in AOM
! myringotomy with tubes - indications
• complications of AOM suspected
• recurrent AOM (> 5 in a year)
• immunologically compromised child
• failure of 3 different antibiotics - fever and bulging of drum
Complications of AOM
! extracranial (see Figure 12)
• acute mastoiditis, chronic suppurative otitis media
• facial nerve paralysis
• febrile seizures
• nystagmus - bacterial labyrinthitis
• TM perforation
! intracranial
• meningitis
• extradural, subdural, cerebral abscess
• petrositis
• lateral sinus thrombosis
OTITIS MEDIA WITH EFFUSION
! not exclusively a pediatric disease
! chronic middle ear effusions (may or may not be associated with
initial episode of pain and fever)
! follows AOM frequently in children
! can be
• mucoid - follows AOM
• resolving mucoid
• serous
• barotrauma in adults

Figure 12. Extracranial Complications of Middle Ear Infe ction

Reproduced with permission from Churchill Livingston, Dhillon, R.S, East, C.A. Ear, Nose and Throat and Head and Neck Surgery. Churchill Livingston, UK, 1994.

Otolaryngology 30 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s

 PEDIATRIC OTOLARYNGOLOGY . . . CONT. Note s

Pre s e ntation
! fullness - blocked ear
! hearing loss +/– tinnitus
• confirm with audiogram (see Figure 4) and tympanogram (flat)
! minimal pain, possibly low grade fever, no discharge
! otoscopy of tympanic membrane (s e e Colour Atlas I6)
• discolouration - amber or dull grey with “glue" ear
• meniscus fluid level
• air bubbles
• retraction pockets/TM atelectasis
• foreshortening of malleus
• prominent short process
• tenting of tympanic membrane over short process and
promontory of malleus
• most reliable finding with pneumotoscopy is immobility

Tre atme nt
! expectant - 90% resolve by 3 months
! antibiotics thought to decrease viscosity of effusion by killing residual organisms
! no statistical proof that antihistamines, decongestants, antibiotics
clear faster than no treatment
! surgery: myringotomy +/– ventilating tubes +/– adenoidectomy
(if enlarged) (s e e Colour Atlas I10)
! ventilating tubes
• indications
• persisting effusion > 3 months
• hearing loss > 30 dB
• speech delay
• atelectasis of tympanic membrane
• function
• equalization of middle ear pressure
• aeration and drainage of middle ear
• restoration of hearing and balance
• duration - 9 to 18 months
• complications
• tympanosclerosis
• persistent TM perforation
• persistent otorrhea

Complications of Otitis Me dia with Effus ion

! chronic inflammation
! hearing loss, speech delay, learning problems in young children
! can lead to chronic suppurative otitis media
! chronic mastoiditis
! ossicular erosion
! cholesteatoma especially when retraction pockets involve
pars flaccida or postero-superior TM
! retraction of tympanic membrane, atelectasis, ossicular fixation

ADENOID HYPERTROPHY
! size peaks at age 6 and resolves by 12 to 18 years of age
! increase in size with repeated URTI and allergies

Pre s e ntation
! nasal obstruction
• adenoid facies (open mouth, dull facial expression)
• hypernasal voice
• history of snoring
• long term mouth breather; minimal air escape through nose
! choanal obstruction
• chronic sinusitis/rhinitis
• obstructive sleep apnea
! chronic inflammation
• nasal discharge, post-nasal drip and cough
• cervical lymphadenopathy

Diagnos is
! enlarged adenoids on mirror nasopharyngeal exam
! enlarged adenoid shadow on lateral soft tissue x-ray
! lateral view of the nasopharynx may show a large pad of adenoidal tissue
MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 31
 PEDIATRIC OTOLARYNGOLOGY . . . CONT. Note s

Complications
! eustachian tube obstruction leading to serous otitis media
! interference with nasal breathing, necessitating mouth-breathing
! malocclusion
! sleep apnea/respiratory disturbance

Indications for Ade noide ctomy

! chronic upper airway obstruction with sleep disturbance/apnea
+/– cor pulmonale
! chronic nasopharyngitis resistant to medical treatment
! chronic serous otitis media and chronic suppurative otitis media
! recurrent acute otitis media resistant to antibiotics
! suspicion of nasopharyngeal malignancy
! chronic sinusitis

Contraindications for Ade noide ctomy

! bleeding disorders
! recent pharyngeal infection
! short or abnormal palate

ACUTE TONSILLITIS
Etiology
! Group A ß-hemolytic Strep and Group G Strep
! Pneumococci
! S. aureus
! H. influenza
! EBV

Pre s e ntation
! symptoms
• sore throat
• dysphagia, odynophagia
• malaise, fever
• otalgia (referred)
! signs
• cervical lymphadenopathy especially submandibular, jugulodigastric
• tonsil enlarged, inflamed +/– spots (s e e Colour Atlas I2)
• strawberry tongue, scarlatiniform rash (scarlet fever)
• palatal petechia (infectious mononucleosis)

Inve s tigations
! CBC
! swab for C&S
! latex agglutination tests
! Monospot - less reliable children < 2 years old

Tre atme nt
! bedrest, soft diet, ample fluid intake
! gargle with warm saline solution
! analgesics and antipyretics
! antibiotics
• only after appropriate swab for C&S
• start with penicillin (erythromycin if allergic to penicillin) x 10 days
• rheumatic fever risk emerges approximately 9 days after the onset
of symptoms: antibiotics are utilized mainly to avoid this serious
sequela and to provide earlier symptomatic relief
• no evidence for the role of antibiotics in the avoidance of
post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis
Complications (see Pediatrics Notes)
! uncommon since the use of antibiotics
• rheumatic heart disease
• nephritis
• arthritis
• scarlet fever
! deep neck space infection

Otolaryngology 32 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s

 PEDIATRIC OTOLARYNGOLOGY . . . CONT. Note s
! abscess: peritonsillar (quinsy), intratonsillar
! sepsis

TONSILLECTOMY
Abs olute Indications
! acute airway obstruction +/– cor pulmonale
! excisional biopsy for suspected malignancy (lymphoma/squamous cell carcinoma)

Re lative Indications
! age 1-4 years: tonsillar hypertrophy leading to
• sleep apnea ––> cor pulmonale
• mouth breathing ––> malocclusion
• difficulty swallowing –> FTT
! school age: chronic recurrent tonsillitis if > 5 episodes
! any complication of tonsillitis
• quinsy ––> parapharyngeal abscess ––> retropharyngeal abscess
• Strep bacteremia: rheumatic heart disease, nephritis, arthritis
• Strep carrier: infective or has halitosis

AIRWAY PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

Ne onate s
! extralaryngeal
• choanal atresia
• nasopharyngeal dermoid, glioma, encephalocele
• glossoptosis - Pierre Robin, Down's, lymphangioma, hemangioma
! laryngeal
• laryngomalacia - most common
• laryngocele
• vocal cord palsy (Arnold-Chiari)
• glottic web
• subglottic stenosis
• laryngeal cleft
! tracheal
• tracheoesophageal fistula
• tracheomalacia

2-3 Months
! congenital
• laryngomalacia
• vascular: innominate artery compression, double aortic arch,
subglottic hemangioma
• laryngeal papilloma
! acquired
• subglottic stenosis - post intubation
• tracheal granulation - post intubation
• tracheomalacia - post tracheotomy and TEF repair

Infants - Sudde n Ons e t

! foreign body aspiration
! croup
! caustic ingestion
! epiglottitis

Childre n and Adults

! congenital
• lingual thyroid/tonsil
! infection
• Ludwig's angina
• peritonsillar-parapharyngeal abscess
• retropharyngeal abscess
! neoplastic
• squamous cell carcinoma (adults): larynx, hypopharynx
• retropharyngeal: lymphoma, neuroblastoma
• nasopharyngeal: rhabdomyosarcoma

MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 33

 PEDIATRIC OTOLARYNGOLOGY . . . CONT. Note s
! allergic
• angioneurotic edema
• polyps (suspect cystic fibrosis in children)
! trauma
• laryngeal fracture, facial fracture
• burns and lacerations
• post-intubation
• caustic ingestion
SIGNS OF AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION
! symptoms and signs of airway obstruction require a full assessment to
diagnose potentially serious causes
Stridor
! note quality, timing
! body position important
• lying prone: subglottic hemangioma, double aortic arch
• lying supine: laryngomalacia, inominate artery compression, glossoptosis
! site of stenosis
• larynx or above: inspiratory stridor
• trachea: biphasic stridor
• bronchi/bronchioles: expiratory stridor
Re s piratory Dis tre s s
! nasal flaring
! supraclavicular and intercostal indrawing
! sternal retractions
! tachypnea
! cyanosis
Fe e ding Difficulty and As piration
! supraglottic lesion
! laryngomalacia
! vocal cord paralysis
! post laryngeal cleft ––> aspiration pneumonia
! tracheoesophageal fistula
ACUTE LARYNGOTRACHEOBRONCHITIS (CROUP)
! inflammation of tissues in subglottic space +/– tracheobronchial tree
! swelling of mucosal lining and associated with thick viscous,
mucopurulent exudate which compromises upper airway (subglottic
space narrowest portion of upper airway)
! normal function of ciliated mucous membrane impaired
Etiology
! viral: parainfluenzae I (most common), II, III, influenza A and B, RSV

Pre s e ntation
! age 4 months - 5 years
! preceded by URTI symptoms
! generally occurs at night
! biphasic stridor and croupy cough (loud, sea-lion bark)
! appear less toxic than with epiglottitis
! supraglottic area normal
! rule out foreign body and subglottic stenosis
! "steeple-sign" on AP of neck
! if recurrent croup, think subglottic stenosis
Tre atme nt
! humidified O2
! racemic epinephrine via nebulizer q1-2h prn
! systemic corticosteroids (e.g. dexamethasone, prednisone)
! adequate hydration
! close observation for 3-4 hours
! intubation if severe
! hospitalize if poor response to steroids after 4 hours and persistent stridor at rest
! consider alternate diagnosis if poor response to therapy (e.g. bacterial tracheitis)

ACUTE EPIGLOTTITIS
! acute inflammation causing swelling of supraglottic structures of the
larynx without involvement of vocal cords

Otolaryngology 34 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s

 PEDIATRIC OTOLARYNGOLOGY . . . CONT. Note s
! 2-5% of laryngeal inflammatory disease
! occurs in northern USA, Europe, and Canada
! highest in December

Etiology
! H. influenza type B
! relatively uncommon condition due to Hib vaccine

Pre s e ntation
! any age, most commonly 1-4 years
! rapid onset
! toxic-looking, fever, anorexia, restless
! cyanotic/pale, inspiratory stridor, slow breathing, lungs clear with
decreased air entry
! prefers sitting up, open mouth, drooling, tongue protruding, sore throat, dysphagia
! rule out severe tonsillitis, peritonsillar abscess, retropharyngeal abscess

Inve s tigations and Manage me nt

! investigations and physical examination may lead to complete
obstruction, thus preparations for intubation or tracheotomy must be
made prior to any manipulation
! ENT/Anesthesia emergency consult(s)
! lateral neck radiograph - cherry-shaped epiglottic swelling
! bag-mask ventilation with Ambu bag prior to endoscopy
! intubate prior to any other treatment
! endoscopy in operating room suite
! WBC (elevated), blood and pharyngeal cultures after intubation

Tre atme nt
! IV access with hydration
! antibiotics - IV cefuroxime, cefotaxime, or ceftriaxone
! moist air
! extubate when leak around tube occurs and afebrile
! watch for meningitis

SUBGLOTTIC STENOSIS
Conge nital
! diameter of subglottis < 4 mm in neonate (due to thickening of soft
tissue of subglottic space or maldevelopment of cricoid cartilage)

Acquire d
! following nasotracheal intubation due to
• long duration
• trauma of intubation
• large tube size
• infection

Pre s e ntation
! biphasic stridor
! respiratory distress
! recurrent/prolonged croup

Diagnos is
! laryngoscopy
! CT

Tre atme nt
! if soft tissue - laser and steroids
! if cartilage - wait, do tracheostomy, and laryngotracheoplasty when older

LARYNGOMALACIA
! most common laryngeal anomaly
! elongated omega-shaped epiglottis, short aryepiglottic fold, pendulous mucosa

Pre s e ntation
! high-pitched crowing inspiratory stridor at 6 weeks being constant or
intermittent and more pronounced supine
MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 35
 PEDIATRIC OTOLARYNGOLOGY . . . CONT. Note s
! associated with feeding difficulties
! symptoms gradually subside at 18-24 months as larynx grows and
thus requires no treatment

FOREIGN BODY
Inge s te d
! usually stuck at cricopharyngeus
! coins, toys
! presents with drooling, dysphagia, stridor if very big

As pirate d
! usually stuck at right mainstem bronchus
! peanuts, carrot, apple core, popcorn, balloons
! presentation
• stridor if in trachea
• unilateral "asthma" if bronchial, and therefore is often
misdiagnosed as asthma
• if impacts to totally occlude airway: cough, lobar pneumonia,
atelectasis, mediastinal shift, pneumothorax

Diagnos is and Tre atme nt

! bronchoscopy and esophagoscopy with removal

SURGICAL AIRWAY MANAGEMENT

! surgical creation of secondary airway
! laryngotomy
• also known as cricothyroidotomy
• 14 gauge needle or IV cannula inserted through cricothyroid membrane
! tracheostomy
• incision made at the level of 2nd tracheal ring
• division of strap muscles
• division +/– ligation of thyroid isthmus
• removal of circular window of cartilage
• placement of double lumen tracheostomy tube
! indications
• to bypass obstruction
• bronchial toilet
• long-term ventilation > 1-2 weeks, to prevent endotracheal
tube-induced glottic/subglottic stenosis
! complications
• hemorrhage: innominate artery
• midline scar
• subglottic stenosis

DYSPHAGIA
(see Gastroenterology Notes)
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
Oral Cavity
! viral ulcers (gingivitis): Coxsackie, aphthous, Herpes
! trauma (including caustic ingestion)
! tumour
! Ludwig's angina
Oropharynx
! tonsillar carcinoma/tonsillitis/tonsillar hypertrophy/pharyngitis
! retropharyngeal abscess, pharyngeal/palatal paralysis/VPI
Hypopharynx/Larynx
! tumour: intrinsic or extrinsic (thyroid mass and other neck masses)
! trauma (including caustic ingestion)
! foreign body
! neuromuscular disturbance
• pharyngeal/laryngeal paralysis
• cricopharyngeal spasm
! Plummer-Vinson syndrome
! inflammatory
Otolaryngology 36 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s
 DYSPHAGIA . . . CONT.
Note s

Es ophagus
! obstructive (sudden onset with progression)
• intrinsic
• hiatus hernia
• tumour
• corrosive esophagitis and stricture
• esophageal web
• foreign body
• esophageal diverticulum (Zenker’s)
• extrinsic
• mediastinal abnormalities
• vascular compression
! motility (gradual onset)
• achalasia
• diffuse esophageal spasm
• scleroderma
• diabetic neuropathy
! trauma/perforation

His tory
! chronology of the symptoms: acute vs. chronic, static vs. progressive
! liquids, solids or both
! associated symptoms that may give insight to the etiology of the
dysphagia such as cough, odynophagia, hoarseness, reflux

Phys ical
! assess labial competence for control of oral secretions, foods and fluids
! assess the tongue: sensory and motor functions
! gag reflex
! examine the oro- and hypopharynx, pooling of secretions in the
vallecula, pyriform sinuses or oral cavity often indicate swallowing
dysfunction, with the amount of pooled secretions signifying the
severity of the problem
! examine the larynx and neck

Inve s tigations
! soft tissue x-rays of the neck looking for swelling, displacement of
airway, presence of foreign body
! chest x-ray: displacement of airway, esophageal air-fluid levels
! dynamic imaging studies: barium pharyngoesophagogram
! assessment of reflux: pH probe manometer, endoscopy
! CT/MRI or U/S

Tre atme nt (see Gastroenterology Notes)

DEEP NECK SPACE INFECTIONS

! most deep neck space infections (DNSI) contain mixed flora
! most common cause is odontogenic which will have anaerobes
! salivary gland infections in adults
! pharyngeal and tonsillar infections in children
! note: infections of the retropharyngeal space can spread to the
superior mediastinum

Pre s e ntation
! fever, pain, swelling
! +/– trismus, fluctuance, dysphagia, and dental abnormalities
! r/o mediastinitis if associated with dyspnea, chest pain and fever

Diagnos is
! CT or MRI
! ultrasound
! chest x-ray may show mediastinal widening if mediastinitis present
! soft tissue lateral x-rays of the neck can be diagnostic for retropharyngeal abscess

MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 37

 DEEP NECK SPACE INFECTIONS . . . CONT.
Note s

Tre atme nt
! with all DNSI assess and secure airway
! identify and drain space, either by incision and drainage or
by needle aspiration +/– U/S guidance
! IV antibiotics

PERITONSILLAR ABSCESS (QUINSY)

! cellulitis of space behind tonsillar capsule extending onto soft palate
leading to abscess
! can develop from acute tonsillitis
! unilateral, most common in 10-30 year old age group

Etiology
! bacterial: Group A Strep, S. pyogenes, S. aureus, H. influenzae and anaerobes

Pre s e ntation
! dysphagia and sore throat
! “hot potato” voice
! increased salivation and trismus
! referred otalgia
! cervical adenopathy and fever
! extensive peritonsillar swelling but tonsil may appear normal
! uvula deviated across midline
! edema of soft palate

Tre atme nt
! surgical drainage (incision or needle aspiration) - do C&S
! tonsillectomy at presentation or 6 weeks later
! IV antibiotics (clindamycin)
! warm saline irrigation

RETROPHARYNGEAL ABSCESS
! in adults secondary to spread from parapharyngeal space due to
an abscess or trauma of posterior pharyngeal wall
! infants/children < 2 years old
! in children
• due to accumulation of pus between posterior pharyngeal wall
and prevertebral fascia
• pus is from breakdown of lymph node in retropharyngeal tissue
• often secondary to posterior pharyngeal trauma (e.g. ETT or
suction in neonate, popsicle stick abrasion in child)

Pre s e ntation
! child
• infant/child with unexplained fever post URTI with loss of
appetite, speech change, or difficulty swallowing
• stridor
! adult
• dysphagia
• odynophagia
• symptoms of airway obstruction
• pain and swelling in neck

Diagnos is
! lateral soft tissue radiograph showing increased soft tissue between
pharyngeal airway and cervical vertebral bodies +/– trapped air
! barium swallow

Tre atme nt
! IV antibiotics
! surgery: incision and drainage with airway secured

LUDWIG'S ANGINA
! cellulitis/inflammation of superior compartment of suprahyoid space
between geniohyoid and mylohyoid muscles
! causes firmness of floor of mouth, tongue protrudes upward and
back causing airway obstruction

Otolaryngology 38 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s

 DEEP NECK SPACE INFECTIONS . . . CONT.
Note s

Etiology
! dental infection (anaerobic bacilli + Vincents spirochete)
! suppurative lymph node in submaxillary space

Tre atme nt
! incision through midline and prepare for possible tracheostomy
because of the difficulty in intubation
! IV penicillin + metronidazole

ACUTE TONSILLITIS and TONSILLECTOMY

(see Pediatric ENT Section)

HOARSENESS
Clinical Pe arl
! If hoars e ne s s pre s e nt for > 2 we e ks in a s moke r, laryngos copy mus t
be done to rule out cance r
! Acute < than 2 we e ks , chronic > 2 we e ks

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
Infe ctious
! acute viral laryngitis
! bacterial tracheitis/laryngitis
! laryngotracheobronchitis (croup)

Inflammatory
! from gastro-esophageal reflux, smoke irritation, or chronic cough
• vocal cord polyps
• Reinke’s edema
• contact ulcers or granulomas
• vocal cord nodules

Trauma
! external laryngeal trauma
! endoscopy and endotracheal tube

Ne oplas ia
! benign tumours
• vocal cord polyps
• papillomas
• chondromas, lipomas, hemangiomas
! malignant tumours
• squamous cell carcinoma
• Kaposi’s sarcoma
Cys ts
! retention cysts
! laryngoceles
Sys te mic
! endocrine
• hypothyroidism
• virilization
! connective tissue disease
• rheumatoid arthritis,
• SLE
! angioneurotic edema
Ne urologic (vocal cord paralys is )
! central lesions
• CVA
• head injury
• MS
• Arnold-Chiari
• neural tumours

MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 39

 HOARSENESS . . . CONT.
Note s

! peripheral lesions
• tumours: glomus jugulare, thyroid, bronchogenic, esophageal, neural
• surgery: thyroid surgery, cardiovascular or thoracic/esophageal surgery
• cardiac: left atrial enlargement, aneurysm of aortic arch
! neuromuscular
• myasthenia gravis
• presbylaryngeus
• spastic dysphonia

Functional
! psychogenic aphonia (hysterical aphonia)
! habitual aphonia
! ventricular dysphonias

ACUTE LARYNGITIS
Etiology
! viral +/– URTI - influenza, adenovirus, GAS
! voice abuse
! toxic fume inhalation

Pre s e ntation
! URTI symptoms and hoarseness, aphonia, cough attacks, +/– dyspnea
! indirect laryngoscopy shows true vocal cords erythematous and
edematous with vascular injection and normal cord mobility

Tre atme nt
! self-limited
! voice rest with humidification to prevent further irritation of inflamed cords
! removal of irritants (e.g. smoking)
! if bacterial - treat with antibiotics

CHRONIC LARYNGITIS
! long standing inflammatory changes in laryngeal mucosa

Etiology
! repeated attacks of acute laryngitis
! exposure to irritating dust/smoke
! voice abuse
! esophageal disorders: Zenker's diverticulum/hiatus hernia/GERD
! systemic: allergy, hypothyroidism, Addison's

Pre s e ntation
! longstanding hoarseness and vocal weakness - rule out malignancy
! indirect laryngoscopy - cords erythematous, thickened with normal mobility

Tre atme nt
! remove offending cause
! treat related disorders
! speech therapy with voice rest
! +/– antibiotics, +/– steroids to decrease inflammation

VOCAL CORD POLYPS

! commonest benign tumour of vocal cords usually in men between 30 and 50 years of age

Etiology
! vocal abuse
! agents causing laryngeal inflammation

Pre s e ntation
! hoarseness, aphonia, cough attacks +/– dyspnea
! laryngoscopy shows polyp on free edge of vocal cord on a pedicle or sessile

Tre atme nt
! remove with endoscopic laryngeal microsurgery

Otolaryngology 40 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s

 HOARSENESS . . . CONT.
Note s

VOCAL CORD NODULES

! called screamer’s or singer’s nodules
! more frequently occur in females, singers and children

Etiology
! chronic voice abuse
! URTI, smoke, alcohol

Pre s e ntation
! laryngoscopy shows red, soft looking nodules, often bilateral at the
junction of the anterior and middle 1/3 of vocal cords
! chronic nodules may become fibrotic, hard and white

Tre atme nt
! voice rest
! speech therapy
! avoidance of aggravating factors
! surgery is rarely indicated

BENIGN LARYNGEAL PAPILLOMAS

! biphasic distribution - birth to puberty (most common laryngeal
tumour) and adulthood

Etiology
! human papilloma virus types 6, 11
! ?hormonal influence

Pre s e ntation
! hoarseness and airway obstruction
! can seed into tracheobronchial tree
! recurs after treatment
! some juvenile papillomas resolve spontaneously at puberty
! papillomas in adults may undergo malignant degeneration
! laryngoscopy shows wart-like lesions in supraglottic larynx and trachea

Tre atme nt
! CO2 laser and microsurgery
! +/– interferon if pulmonary involvement

LARYNGEAL CARCINOMA (see Neoplasms of the Head and Neck Section)

SALIVARY GLANDS
SIALOADENITIS
Etiology
! obstructive vs. non-obstructive
! bacterial: (commonly S. aureus) patient prone to bacterial
infection when salivary flow is decreased or obstructed
! viral: most common infectious cause

Pre s e ntation
! acute onset of pain and edema of parotid or submandibular gland
that may lead to marked swelling
! +/– fever
! +/– leukocytosis
! +/– suppurative drainage from punctum of the gland
! mumps usually presents with bilateral parotid enlargement,
+/– sensorineural hearing loss, +/– orchitis

Diagnos is
! imaging with U/S employed to differentiate obstructive
vs. non-obstructive sialadenitis

MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 41

 SALIVARY GLANDS . . . CONT.
Note s

Tre atme nt
! bacterial: treat with cloxacillin +/– abscess drainage
! viral: no treatment

SIALOLITHIASIS
! ductal stone with chronic sialadenitis
! predisposing factors are any conditions causing duct stenosis or a
change in salivary secretions (e.g. dehydration, diabetes, EtOH,
hypercalcemia)

Pre s e ntation
! pain and tenderness over involved gland
! intermittent swelling related to meals

Diagnos is
! by digital palpation of calculi
! sialogram

Tre atme nt
! remove calculi by dilating duct and orifice or excision through floor of mouth
! if calculus is within the gland parenchyma then the whole gland must be excised

SALIVARY GLAND MANIFESTATIONS OF

SYSTEMIC DISEASE
! Sjögrens syndrome: diffuse non-tender, asymptomatic enlargement of
the parotid glands and occasionally other salivary glands
! bulimia nervosa: bilateral swelling of parotid glands, approximately 30%
of patients will have resolution with control of bulimia

NECK MASSES

The stemocleidomastoid divides the neck into

two triangles, the boundaries of which are
shown. The anterior triangle contains lymph
nodes, submandibular gland, tail of the parotid,
and the carotid bifurcation. The posterior
tnangle contains lymph nodes and the spinal
accessory nerve.

Figure 13. Anatomical Triangle s and Lymphatic Drainage of the Ne ck

Reproduced with permission from Churchill Livingston, Dhillon, R.S, East, C.A. Ear, Nose and Throat and Head and Neck Surgery. Churchill Livingston, UK, 1994.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
! duration
• if 7 days: inflammatory
• if 7 months: neoplastic
• if 7 years: congenital
Conge nital
! midline
• thyroglossal duct cyst
• thyroid tumour/goitre
• pyramidal lobe of thyroid gland
• midline dermoid cyst
• thymus cyst
Otolaryngology 42 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s
 NECK MASSES . . . CONT.
Note s
! lateral
• branchial cleft cyst
• cystic hygroma

Acquire d

Table 7. Acquire d Caus e s of Ne ck Lumps

Age (ye ars ) Pos s ible Caus e s of Ne ck Lump

< 20 inflammatory neck nodes (e.g. tonsillitis, infectious mononucleosis)

lymphoma

20-40 salivary gland pathology (e.g calculi, infection, tumour)

thyroid pathology (e.g. goitre, infection, tumour)
granulomatous disease (e.g. TB, sarcoidosis), HIV
> 40 1º or 2º malignant disease

EVALUATION
Inve s tigation
! history and physical
! indirect tests - supply information about physical characteristics of mass
• WBC - infection vs. lymphoma
• Mantoux TB test
• thyroid function tests and scan
• neck U/S
• CT scan
• angiography - vascularity and blood supply to mass
! direct test - for histologic examination
• fine needle aspiration - less invasive
• needle biopsy
• open biopsy-for lymphoma search for the primary tumour
• full otolaryngologic exam - including nasopharynx and larynx
• radiologic exam of stomach, bowel and sinuses
• panendoscopy
• nasopharyngoscopy
• laryngoscopy
• bronchoscopy with brushings
• esophagoscopy
• biopsy of normal tissue of nasopharynx, tonsils, base of
tongue and hypopharynx
! if primary still occult (5%) - excisional biopsy of node for diagnosis,
manage with radiotherapy or neck dissection (squamous cell carcinoma)
! if primary found, stage and treat
CONGENITAL NECK MASSES
Branchial Cle ft Cys ts /Fis tulae (s e e Colour Atlas I4)
! at 6th week of development, the second branchial arch grows over the
third and fourth arches and fuses with the neighbouring caudal
pre-cardial swelling forming the cervical sinus
! branchial fistula formed by persistence of external opening of sinus
while persistent parts of the cervical sinus without an external
opening cause branchial cysts
! 2nd branchial cleft cysts most common
! fistulas with an internal or external communication usually manifest
during infancy as a small opening anterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle
! branchial cysts that do not have an external or internal opening
present in teens and twenties as a smooth painless slowly enlarging
lateral neck mass, often following an acute URTI infection
! surgical removal of cyst or fistula tract
! if infected - allow infection to settle before removal
Thyroglos s al Duct Cys ts (s e e Colour Atlas I3)
! thyroid originates as ventral midline diverticulum of floor of pharynx
caudal to junction of 1st and 2nd branchial arches (foramen cecum)
! thyroid migrates caudally along a tract ventral to hyoid then curves
underneath and down to cricoid with thyroglossal duct cysts being
vestigial remnants of tract

MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 43

 NECK MASSES . . . CONT.
Note s
! usually presents in the second to fourth decades as a midline cyst
that elevates with swallowing and tongue protrusion
! treatment consists of pre-operative antibiotics to reduce
inflammation followed by complete excision of cyst and tract up to
foramen cecum at base of tongue with removal of central portion
of thyroid (Sistrunk procedure)

Cys tic Hygroma

! lymphangioma arising from vestigial lymph channels of neck
! usually presents by age 2 as thin-walled cyst in tissues from floor of
mouth down to mediastinum, usually in posterior triangle or
supraclavicular area
! infection causes a sudden increase in size
! surgical excision if it fails to regress - difficult dissection due to
numerous cyst extensions

NEOPLASMS OF THE
HEAD AND NECK
Table 8. Summary of He ad and Ne ck Ne oplas ia
Location Pre s e ntation Ris k/Etiological Factors Diagnos is Tre atme nt
Nos e /Paranas al depends on where tumour has hardwood dust clinical suspicion surgery + radiation
Sinus invaded through bone nickel on CT biopsy
chromium
Nas opharynx nasal obstruction EBV flexible scope 1º radiation
neck mass salted fish biopsy surgery 2nd line
epistaxis nickel exposure CT/MRI
unilat. SOM poor hygiene
Lip white patch on lip UV light biopsy 1º surgery
lip Ulcer poor hygiene radiation 2nd line
smoking/EtOH
Salivary Gland painless mass radiation fine needle biopsy surgery
nickel exposure CT
smoking/EtOH
Oral Cavity neck mass smoking/EtOH biopsy 1º surgery
ulcer +/– bleeding poor hygiene radiation 2nd line
dysphagia/sialorrhea
dysphonia
Oropharynx odynophagia smoking and EtOH biopsy 1º radiation
otalgia surgery 2nd line
enlarged tonsil
fixed tongue with trismus

Hypopharynx pain and dysphagia smoking and EtOH rigid scope 1º radiation
otalgia CXR surgery 2nd line
cervical node CT
hoarseness
Larynx dysphagia, otalgia odynophagia smoking and EtOH indirect and 1º radiation
hoarseness direct laryngoscopy surgery 2nd line
foreign body feeling CT
dyspnea/stridor
cough/hemoptysis
Thyroid thyroid mass radiation exposure see figure 16 1º surgery
vocal cord paralysis family hx I131 for metastatic
cervical nodes deposits
hyper/hypo thyroid

! 6-8% of all malignancies in the body

! historically M>F however increased incidence in female population
in last 10-15 years due to increased prevalence of smoking in females

Otolaryngology 44 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s

 NEOPLASMS OF THE
HEAD AND NECK . . . CONT. Note s

PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT
! initial metastatic screen includes chest x-ray and LFT’s;
! scans of liver, brain and bone only if clinically indicated
! TNM classification widely used for staging in order to:
• guide treatment planning
• indicate prognosis
• assist in evaluating results of treatment
• facilitate accurate exchange of information
! treatment depends on
• histologic grade of tumour
• stage
• physical and emotional situation of patient
• facilities available
• skill and experience of the oncologist and team
! in general
• no role for chemotherapy in tumours of the head and neck
• primary surgery for malignant tumours of the oral cavity with
radiotherapy reserved for salvage or for poor prognostic indicators
• primary radiotherapy for malignancies of the nasopharynx,
oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx with surgery reserved for salvage

CARCINOMA OF THE NOSE AND PARANASAL SINUSES

! rare tumours with decreased incidence over the last 5-10 years
! increased incidence in Africans, Japanese, and Arabs
! risk factors - dust from hard woods (ethmoid sinus and nose), nickel
(maxillary sinus cancer), chromium
! 99% occur in maxillary and ethmoid sinuses
! 75-80% squamous cell carcinoma
! 10% arise from minor salivary glands (i.e. adenoid cystic + mucoepidermoid)
! 10% sarcomas

Pre s e ntation
! symptoms begin to occur after tumour has invaded through the bony
confines of the sinus
! depends where the erosion through bone has occurred
• nose - nasal obstruction, epistaxis, pain
• orbit - proptosis, diplopia, ophthalmoplegia, pain, epiphora due
to nasolacrimal duct obstruction
• nerves - numbness, palatal palsy, CN VII palsy, facial pain
• dental - tooth/oral pain, loosening of teeth
• skin - occurs late
• intracranial or skull base extension - headache

Diagnos is
! based on clinical suspicion
! confirmed with CT or MRI (CT used routinely)
! biopsy for histopathology

Tre atme nt
! almost all sinus cancers are treated with a combined approach
involving surgery and post-operative radiotherapy

Prognos is
! overall 5-year survival = 25% (poor due to late presentation)
• 55% if inferior antral involvement only

CARCINOMA OF THE NASOPHARYNX

! the nasopharynx is the cuboidal space bounded anteriorly by the
posterior choanae of the nose, posteriorly by the clivus, C1 and C2
vertebrae, superiorly by the body of the sphenoid and inferiorly by the
soft palate
! the eustachian tubes open onto the lateral walls of the NP which are
comprised of pharyngeal fascia
! incidence 0.8/100 000; markedly increased among those of South
Chinese origin
! 50-59 year old age group, M:F = 2.4:1

MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 45

 NEOPLASMS OF THE
HEAD AND NECK . . . CONT. Note s
! etiological factors include EBV, salted fish consumption, nickel
exposure, poor hygiene
! squamous cell carcinoma most common (approximately 90%)
! lymphoma (approximately 10%)

Pre s e ntation
! neck mass at presentation in 60-90% (note: deep posterior cervical
node at mastoid tip)
! nasal obstruction/discharge, epistaxis
! voice change, mandibular neuralgia, decrease in soft palate mobility, dysphagia
! unilateral serous otitis media and/or hearing loss
! proptosis (secondary to tumour extension into orbit)
! cranial nerve involvement in approximately 25% (CN III-VI can be
involved by cavernous sinus extension; CN IX-XII can be involved by
retropharyngeal space encroachment or lymphadenopathy)

Diagnos is
! clinical findings (include digital palpation)
! flexible nasopharyngoscopy for direct visualization
! biopsy with topical anesthetic
! CT/MRI for assessment of extent of tumour invasion and involvement
of adjacent structures

Tre atme nt
! primary radiotherapy of nasopharynx and adjacent parapharyngeal
and cervical lymphatics is the treatment of choice
! +/– radical neck dissection for salvage and recurrence
! use of chemotherapy controversial

Prognos is
! excellent local control possible for T1 lesions (90-95% control rates reported)
! 5 year survival rates vary according to stage:
• I: 78%; II: 72%; III: 50-60%; IV: 36-42%

CARCINOMA OF THE LIP

! 50-70 year age group
! whites > blacks
! M:F = 30:1
! 95% squamous cell carcinoma

Etiology
! UV light - to lower lip
! poor oral hygiene
! smoking and alcohol contribute but are less significant than in other
head and neck SCC

Pre s e ntation
! 85% lower lip
! dyskeratosis manifests as white patch on lip (actinic chelitis)
! ulcer formation may indicate carcinoma

Diagnos is
! biopsy

Tre atme nt
! primary surgery including wedge excision with primary closure and
careful approximation of vermilion border
! local flap may be required to repair an extensive surgical defect
! radiotherapy second line - for salvage or extensive disease

Prognos is
! 85% 5-year survival following surgery
! 80% 5-year survival following radiation therapy

Otolaryngology 46 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s

 NEOPLASMS OF THE
HEAD AND NECK . . . CONT. Note s

SALIVARY GLAND NEOPLASMS

! M=F
! 80% of salivary gland tumours are parotid
! submandibular tumours uncommon (10%), sublingual rare (1%)
! only 20% of parotid swellings are malignant, whereas 75% of
submandibular gland swellings are malignant, generally the smaller
the gland the greater chance of malignancy

Pathology
! malignant
• mucoepidermoid (low vs. high grade) 40%
• adenoid cystic 30%
• acinic cell 5%
• malignant mixed 5%
• lymphomas 5%
• adenocarcinoma
! benign
• benign mixed (pleomorphic adenoma) 80%
• Warthin's tumour (5-10% bilateral M>F) 10%
• cysts, lymph nodes and adenomas 10%

Parotid Gland
! painless slow-growing mass
! if bilateral, suggests benign process (Warthin's tumour, Sjögren's,
mumps) or possible lymphoma
! signs suggestive of malignancy
• pain or CN VII involvement
• rapid growth
• involvement or invasion of overlying skin
• facial nerve dysfunction
• cervical lymphadenopathy

Diagnos is
! fine needle biopsy
! CT scan to determine depth of tumour

Tre atme nt
! surgery is the treatment of choice for salivary gland neoplasms
! benign tumours are also excised due to small but potential risk of
malignant transformation of pleomorphic adenoma
! superficial lesion
• superficial parotidectomy above plane of CN VII, +/– radiation
• incisional biopsy contraindicated
! deep lesion
• near-total parotidectomy sparing as much of CN VII as possible
• if CN VII involved then it is removed and cable grafted with
sural nerve, or hypoglossal attached to remaining stump

Prognos is
! benign: excellent, although pleomorphic adenomas may recur
! mucoepidermoid: good if low grade - 80% 5-year survival
! others: fair, but tend to recur - 40% 5-year survival
! if neck nodes involved: 20% 5-year survival

CARCINOMA OF THE ORAL CAVITY

! oral cavity consists of the anterior/oral tongue, the floor of mouth, the
alveolus, the retromolar trigone, and the hard palate above
! 1.5-3% of all cancers occurring in North America
! 50% of oral cavity cancer occurs on the anterior 2/3 of the tongue
! historically, far more prevalent among males, but recent increase in
female smokers has changed this
! 50 to 60 year old age group (younger trend in recent years)
! 95% squamous cell (others include salivary gland: mucoepidermoid,
adenoid cystic, acinic cell, also sarcoma and melanoma)

MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 47

 NEOPLASMS OF THE
HEAD AND NECK . . . CONT. Note s

Etiology
! heavy smoking (note smokeless tobacco)
! alcohol (synergistic with tobacco)
! association with poor oral hygiene, chronic dental irritation, oral
lichen planus, mucosal atrophy
! leukoplakia or erythroplakia may signify pre-malignant lesion or
carcinoma in situ

Pre s e ntation
! 30% present as an asymptomatic mass in the neck
! ulcer with raised edges +/– bleeding
! pain with radiation to ear and neck
! dysphagia or dysphonia may occur
! oral fetor
! sialorrhea
! 10-15% of oral cavity tumours have cervical metastases at time of presentation
! lymph node mets in tumours of tongue and anterior floor of mouth
tend to involve the submental and upper deep jugular chains
! purplish brown lesions on palate or buccal mucosa suggest Kaposi's
sarcoma in HIV patients

Diagnos is
! adequate visualization is key
! small local biopsy of lesion
! imaging studies generally not required unless mandibular
involvement is suspected or planning extensive resection

Tre atme nt
! carcinoma of the oral cavity is primarily a surgical problem with
post-operative radiotherapy reserved for patients with poor
prognostic indicators (see below)
! primary radiotherapy occasionally employed in older or infirm patients
! surgery consists of:
• partial/total glossectomy +/– mandibular resection
• neck dissection if > 2 cm lesion or palpable nodes
• reconstruction: none (if small defect), skin grafts, fascio/
osseocutaneous vascularized free flaps, dental plates

Prognos is
! poor prognostic indicators include:
• site of tumour (tongue worse than floor of mouth) and deep invasion
• multiple positive cervical nodes
• extra-capsular spread
• peri-neural or peri-vascular involvement
• close (< 5 mm) surgical margins
! early stage (T1 and T2) 75% disease free survival at 5 years
! late stage (T3 and T4) 30-35% disease free survival at 5 years
! no change in mortality in last 15-20 years but significant decrease in
morbidity due to new reconstructive and rehabilitative techniques

CARCINOMA OF THE OROPHARYNX

! oropharynx consists of the tongue base (area behind the circumvallate
papillae) to the back of the pharynx including the tonsillar fossae and
pillars, and the soft palate down to the superior aspect of the supraglottis
! M:F = 4:1
! 50 to 70 year old age group
! etiologic agents include alcohol abuse and smoking
! 90% squamous cell carcinoma - poorly differentiated

Pre s e ntation
! tend to present late (especially tongue base)
! odynophagia
! otalgia
! indistinct speech - “hot potato” voice
! ulcerated/enlarged tonsil
! oral fetor
! bleeding with blood-stained sputum

Otolaryngology 48 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s

 NEOPLASMS OF THE
HEAD AND NECK . . . CONT. Note s
! tongue fixed with trismus
! induration of tonsil or tongue base
! 60% have nodal metastases at presentation (15% bilateral) - including
small lesions
! parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal nodes at risk
! 7% distant metastases to lung, bone and liver

Diagnos is
! clinical suspicion
! confirmatory biopsy

Tre atme nt
! radiotherapy is primary modality with surgery reserved for salvage
! surgery depends on extent of disease and may employ composite
resection, +/– neck dissection and flap reconstruction
! radiotherapy preferred modality due to high morbidity associated
with surgery and inaccessibility of at-risk nodal groups

Prognos is
! site dependant
! base of tongue: control rates for T1 lesions reported at >90%,
however poor control rates (13-52%) reported for T4 lesions
! tonsils: cure rates of 90-100% reported for T1 and T2 lesions using
external beam radiation; control rates for advanced lesions are very
poor - 15-33% reported for T4 lesions

CARCINOMA OF THE HYPOPHARYNX

! continuous with the oropharynx above and extending inferiorly to
the esophagus, the hypopharynx includes the area from the tip of
the epiglottis to the lower surface of the cricoid cartilage
! 3 areas: 1) posterior pharyngeal wall (10% of tumours);
2) piriform sinus (60%); 3) post-cricoid space (30%)
! 8-10% of all head and neck malignancies
! 95% squamous cell carcinoma
! 50-60 year old age group; M>F
! etiological factors include alcohol, tobacco
! associated with Plummer-Vinson syndrome (post-cricoid region)

Pre s e ntation
! often presents late
! pain
! dysphagia
! otalgia
! cervical node
! +/– hoarseness

Diagnos is
! clinical suspicion - definitive diagnosis often by rigid endoscopy
! chest x-ray to rule out pulmonary mets
! CT to evaluate deep extension

Tre atme nt
! radiation employed as primary modality
! rigid endoscopy to determine 8-10 week post-treatment response
! favorable response to radiotherapy can be followed for 5-10 years
! if radiation fails: surgical resection of larynx and hypopharynx +neck dissection
! reconstructive options include closure of the pharynx, pedicle flap
reconstruction (e.g. pectoralis major) free jejunal interposition, and gastric pull-up

Prognos is
! generally poor: 60% cure rates have been reported for T2-T3, 25-40%
five year survival with T4 lesions
! post-operative morbidity with fistula formation in 20-25% of
previously irradiated patients
! gastric pull-up associated with 14% peri-operative mortality

MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 49

 NEOPLASMS OF THE
HEAD AND NECK . . . CONT. Note s

CARCINOMA OF THE LARYNX

The commone st symp tom for e ach

re gion of the larynx is illustrate d .
Enlarge me nt will re sult in ad d itional
symp toms d ue to sp re ad to
ad jace nt or me tastatic d ise ase .
(NG. ne op lastic growth)

Figure 14. Symptoms of Larynge al Ne oplas ia

Reproduced with permission from Churchill Livingston, Dhillon, R.S, East, C.A. Ear, Nose and Throat and Head and Neck Surgery. Churchill Livingston, UK, 1994.

! squamous cell most common

! 45% of head and neck carcinoma
! common between 45-75 years of age
! M:F = 10:1
! etiologic agents include heavy smoking and heavy alcohol consumption

Clas s ification
! classified according to site within larynx:
• supraglottic (30-35%)
• rich in lymphatics
• early nodal spread with 30-40% having occult or palpable neck
disease at presentation
• primary tumour enlarges substantially before causing symptoms
• glottic (60-65%)
• few lymphatic channels
• nodal metastasis rare
• tumour remains local for a long period
• produces hoarseness early giving a better prognosis
• subglottic (1%)
• abundant lymphatics, lateral neck and paratracheal nodes are
involved at presentation in 20%
• symptoms occur late
• may be difficult to distinguish if primary tumour arises in
subglottis or in trachea
Pre s e ntation
! dysphagia, odynophagia or referred otalgia (suggest supraglottic lesion)
! hoarseness (suggests glottic involvement)
! clearing throat/foreign body feeling
! dyspnea/stridor
! cough/hemoptysis
! regional lymphadenopathy
Diagnos is
! direct and indirect laryngoscopy to assess site and extent of tumour
and cord mobility
! bilateral nodal metastasis more common if carcinoma crosses midline
! CT/MRI imaging: to assess depth of spread and involvement of
underlying cartilage
Tre atme nt
! organ preservation is goal of therapy
! primary radiotherapy for all laryngeal carcinomas except for bulky T4
lesions with radiographic evidence of cartilaginous involvement
! surgery reserved for salvage or for late stage lesions
• microsurgical decortication of vocal cords
• cordectomy
• partial to total laryngectomy with tracheostomy +/– neck dissection

Otolaryngology 50 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s

 NEOPLASMS OF THE
HEAD AND NECK . . . CONT. Note s
! voice and speech rehabilitation options
• tracheo-esophageal puncture to allow phonation
• esophageal voice
• electrolaryngeal devices

Prognos is
! 10-12% of small lesions will fail radiotherapy and can be treated with
partial laryngectomy and muscle flap rehabilitation
! glottic lesions:> 90% of early lesions (mobile cords) controlled with
primary radiation; this drops to 30-60% with cord fixation
! 70% of T3 supraglottic lesions controlled by radiation alone
! 5 year survival of > 40% has been reported for T4 lesions following
laryngectomy and post-operative radiation

THYROID NEOPLASMS
Diffe re ntial Diagnos is
! benign
• colloid nodule
• multinodular goitre (hyperplastic or regenerative nodule)
• thyroid cyst
• follicular adenoma
• thyroiditis
! malignant (16% of thyroid nodules)
• papillary carcinoma 60-70%
• follicular carcinoma 15-20%
• medullary carcinoma 2-5%
• anaplastic 1-5%
• Hürthle cell 1-5%
• lymphoma 3%
• metastatic 1-2%

His tory
! F > M for nodules but in males a nodule is more likely to be malignant
! history of head and neck irradiation
! occupational/environmental radiation exposure associated with
papillary carcinoma
! local compressive neck symptoms - hoarseness, dysphagia, dyspnea,
and aspiration
! family history of MEN II (medullary ca.)
! nodule in patient with a history of Hashimoto’s - at risk for lymphoma
! rapid increase in size of nodule - may indicate malignancy

Phys ical Findings

! palpation of thyroid - solitary, hard, irregular nodule is suggestive of
malignancy, multinodular suggestive of benign indirect laryngoscopy -
vocal cord paralysis increases suspicion of malignancy
! cervical lymphadenopathy - deep cervical chain suggestive of
metastatic disease
! signs of hypo/hyperthyroidism

THYROID CARCINOMA
Papillary Ade nocarcinoma
! accounts for 60-70% of thyroid cancers
! can be multifocal
! lymphatic spread
! presents in early adulthood as a solitary nodule with 20% having
palpable lymph nodes
! late metastases to lungs or bone
! rate of growth may be stimulated by TSH
! microscopically - papillary projections of columnar epithelium with
nuclear notching, cytoplasmic inclusions, and 60% having Psammoma
bodies (a mixed papillary-follicular or follicular variant also found)
! 84% 10 year survival

MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s Otolaryngology 51

 NEOPLASMS OF THE
HEAD AND NECK . . . CONT. Note s

Follicular Ade nocarcinoma

! 10% of thyroid malignancies
! presents in later adulthood as an elastic/rubbery nodule
! pathological diagnosis can only be made by permanent section
! regional lymph node spread
! hematogenous spread to lung, bone and liver (can be ablated with
radioactive iodine after total thyroidectomy)
! prognosis dependent on invasion, not on size
! 57% 10 year survival

Me dullary Carcinoma
! 2-5% of thyroid malignancies, 10% familial, 90% sporadic
! contains amyloid and is solid, hard and nodular with poor radioiodine uptake
! derived from cells of ultimobranchial bodies which also secrete calcitonin
! familial occurrence associated with type IIa multiple endocrine
neoplasia with bilateral pheochromocytoma and hyperparathyroidism
! screen family members with serum calcitonin and pentagastrin
stimulation, and now ret oncogene mutation detections
! 40% 10 year survival

Anaplas tic Carcinoma

! 5% of thyroid malignancies, principally elderly
! rapidly enlarging, solid, hard, irregular tumour often with cystic
components which invades surrounding neck structures and may
cause pain and obstructive symptoms
! cervical lymph node metastasis with lung metastases common
! usually recurs following surgery with radiation and chemotherapy
being palliative and radioiodine ineffective
! average survival - 10 months

Tre atme nt of Thyroid Carcinoma

! total thyroidectomy for papillary (> 1.5 cm), medullary and follicular
tumours - risks include damage of recurrent and superior laryngeal
nerves, hemorrhage, and permanent hypoparathyroidism
! neck dissection with preservation of sternocleidomastoid if lymph
nodes clinically involved and radical neck dissection if extensive
infiltrating tumour
! metastatic deposits of follicular and papillary tumours treated with
I131 following thyroid ablation
! maintain patients on suppressive doses of thyroxine
! follow-up with serum thyroglobulin - increased if residual tumour present

Thyroid Nodule

Hx, Px, TSH, T4, ± thyroglobulin ± antithyroid antibody ± U/S*

FNA (if do U/S still must do a FNA)

benign inflammatory cells papillary follicular or indeteminant

or indeterminant (false postive < 1%) (high false negative)

T4 suppression repeat OR U/S

cystic solid

T4 suppression thyroid scan

cold functioning (warm)

short term T4 suppression longer term T4 suppression

Figure 16. Inve s tigation and Manage me nt of the Thyroid Nodule

* U/S findings: cystic: risk of malignancy < 1%, solid: risk of malignancy approx. 10%, solid with cystic components: risk of malignancy same as if solid
Otolaryngology 52 MCCQE 2000 Re vie w Note s and Le cture Se rie s