Key Points 1. Cancer development requires an accumulation of genetic and cellular alterations. 2. The most common risk factors associated with head and neck squamous cell cancer in the United States are tobacco use, alcohol use, and the HPV virus…
Key Points 1. The six branchial arches form the skeletal and muscular derivatives of the head and neck and the six pharyngeal pouches form the endothelium and glands. Each arch is associated with a nerve and artery. 2. Aberrant embryologic…
Key Points 1. Infections are the most common cause of pharyngitis. Viral infections are more common than bacterial, with 50% to 60% of cases caused by common viruses. 2. The AAO-HNS Clinical Practice Guideline for Tonsillectomy in Children from 2018…
Key Points 1. Chemosensation (the perception of chemicals) relies on three sensory systems: taste, olfaction, and somatosensory. 2. Chemosensory dysfunction can severely influence quality of life, ranging from safety issues such as detection of a gas leak to higher functions…
Key Points 1. Headaches can be classified as primary, secondary, or both. Primary headaches occur in the absence of another disorder known to cause headaches (e.g., tension-type or migraine headache). Secondary headaches occur in the presence of another disorder that…
Key Points 1. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is the most common vasculitis disease affecting the head and neck. 2. In patients with recurrent inflammation of the cartilages of the nose, ears, or larynx, you must consider a diagnosis of relapsing polychondritis.…
Key Points 1. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a major problem in the United States and is associated with serious health complications. Noninvasive treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy remains the gold standard therapy, and it is typically…
Key Points 1. Knowledge of the most common bacteria causing infection, antibiotic methods of action, and microbial resistance mechanisms and patterns can facilitate appropriate drug selection. 2. The most directed antimicrobial therapy is preferred and may require a sample to…
Key Points 1. Initial evaluation of deep neck space infections (DNSI) should be directed toward identifying the acuity and medical stability of the patient; hemodynamic and airway instability may require emergent intervention. 2. Trismus, dysphonia, “hot potato” voice, stridor, and…
Key Points 1. Airway management is the otolaryngologist’s main role in emergencies. 2. Epiglottitis is an emergency because of the high potential for airway obstruction. 3. Angioedema involves the reticular dermis as well as the subcutaneous and submucosal layers of…