Otolaryngology is a branch of medicine that deals with the
study, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that occur in the ear, nose, and
throat. It also covers a detailed study of the various types of cancers,
congenital abnormalities, and other disorders that are found in the head and
neck region. In otolaryngology, both medical and surgical methods are applied
to treat illnesses and to rectify problems.
Otolaryngology is considered as one of the oldest specialties
of medicine. It is actually the abbreviated form of otorhinolaryngology. This
abbreviated form has its origin from three Greek words oto (ear), rhino
(nose), and laryn (throat). Initially, this specialty provided treatment only
for disorders with the ear, nose, and throat. Over the years, it has widened
its field of medicine to the study of the diseases and disorders of the entire
neck and head. Today, otolaryngology is an important medical specialty that
advocates surgeries in the neck and head region as well and is officially
termed as otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.
As otolaryngology is a broad area of practice, it is
subdivided into a number of subspecialties. Some among the specialties are
general otolaryngology; pediatric otolaryngology; head and neck oncology;
facial plastic and reconstruction surgery; thyroid and parathyroid gland
surgery; otology; laryngology; rhinology; and allergy study.
In otolaryngology, otolaryngologists are medical doctors who
diagnose and treat traditional ENT problems which include hearing loss,
hoarseness, nosebleeds, vertigo, and sinusitis.
They are
generally referred as ENT specialists. A
head and neck surgeon manages patients who have problems, diseases, and
lesions related to the head and neck, above the clavicle. They are specialized
persons who perform surgeries ranging from the microsurgery of the ear to
endoscopic sinus surgery and major surgery for head and neck cancers. Some
comprehensive evaluations are also carried out by this otolaryngology
department which includes hearing loss, snoring, vertigo, tinnitus,
hyperacusis, and voice disorders.
