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You can find the best head and neck surgeon in McKinney, TX, at NextGen OMS. Dr. Eftekhari uses all the tools at his disposal to help patients. Some conditions may benefit from telehealth services during the pandemic. Learn how professionals are using telehealth services with head and neck conditions.

Telehealth Services for Head and Neck Surgeon Treatment

According to a recent article in Medical Express, telehealth services are impacting the disparity caused by COVID-19 shutdowns. Also known as telemedicine services, this method uses digital technology to perform virtual office visits and can help patients get advice they need from their head and neck surgeon during the pandemic. This doesn’t replace regular office visits or schedules for necessary procedures. However, it can be a great comfort if questions arise during recovery or treatment.

The Journal of the American Medical Association posted a research letter from Henry Ford, a head and neck surgeon. In the letter, Dr. Ford discusses how surgeons use telehealth services to assist patients by phone or video. Lower-income patients were more reluctant to participate in telehealth services, so there is still work to be done in terms of awareness.

Researchers also indicated that more research is needed to help overcome reticence to complete video visits when physical visits are not possible. Virtual care is not a substitute for in-person care over the long-term. However, in cases of a COVID-19 shutdown, they may become the only viable option for critical treatment.

Responding to patient needs is an ongoing effort in the midst of these uncertain times. However, our doctor concentrates on all means necessary to provide care to our patients at NextGen OMS.

What Is Oral, Head and Neck Pathology?

Dr. Eftekhari is an experienced head and neck surgeon who diagnoses and surgically treats cancers and other pathologies of the head, neck and face. Thousands of Americans receive a diagnosis of oral or pharyngeal cancer each year. The mortality rate for oral cancer in particular is high because patients often don’t detect it right away. The earlier you receive treatment for pathologies and cancers in your mouth and elsewhere, the better your chances of a full recovery. You can make an appointment with your dentist if you suspect you may have an issue. Your family dentist will often refer you to a specialist such as Dr. Eftekhari for treatment in McKinney, TX.

If you find unusual lumps in your neck or head region, this may be a sign of a tumor or other serious condition. The growth could be benign but it’s important to get it checked out as quickly as possible.

What Pathology Means

If you have a pathological condition, it means that there’s a deviation from a normal condition. Pathologies can affect any areas of the body. Many pathologies come in the form of cysts or tumors. Tumors can be either cancerous or non-cancerous, malignant or benign, respectively. With oral pathologies and other head and neck abnormalities, it’s very important to get a diagnosis right away. The classification of the pathology goes by where it’s found on the body. Biopsies often help determine how dangerous the condition is and whether it poses immediate health risks.

Signs of head and neck pathologies include the following:

• White patches in the mouth (leukoplakia)
• White and red patches (erythroleukoplakia)
• Masses or lumps in the neck
• Red patches in mouth (erythroplakia)
• Ulcers, sores, lesions that don’t heal
• Lumps or abnormal thickening
• Enlarged lymph nodes (neck)

There are other signs that you can look for that indicate a problem. These include chronic sore throat and/or difficulty chewing and swallowing.

Many pathologies end up being benign. However, because of the risk of cancer being involved, it’s very important to get treatment right away. As part of the diagnosis process, we can look for leukoplakias. High levels of leukoplakias often indicate that there’s a high risk of pathology turning into cancerous conditions. Therefore, lesions, cysts, and tumors require careful observation by a head and neck surgeon.

It can be scary to find a lump or sore spot on your head or neck. However, don’t automatically assume that this means that you have cancer. Dr. Eftekhari is a highly experienced head and neck surgeon who can help diagnose your symptoms through a biopsy or other procedure. He will start you on a treatment plan if necessary and help you understand your condition fully.

Monthly Self-Exam

A self-exam does not take the place of routine visits to your general practitioner and any suggested specialist such as a head and neck surgeon. However, by examining yourself under a bright light in front of a mirror, you may be able to detect abnormalities and changes in your head, neck, and mouth areas.

While conducting a self-exam, remove your dentures if you wear them. Look and feel inside the front of your gums and lips. Then, tilt your head back to look at the roof of your mouth, pulling your cheeks out to examine the sides of your mouth for any unusual looking lesions or skin patches.

Visually probe your neck region around the lymph nodes for any lumps or cysts. Also perform a visual inspection to ensure there are no new lesions or unusual skin conditions.

Again, early detection it’s just the first step in a treatment plan that includes visiting your doctor and any necessary specialist such as Dr. Eftekhari.

Contact NextGen OMS Today

Contact NextGen OMS to set up an appointment with the area’s premier head and neck surgeon, or with questions about your head and neck pathologies and conditions. We are proud to serve our patients locally and the surrounding central TX areas. Feel free to call our office with any questions you may have regarding your consultation or condition.