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Dr. Thomas Christopher Spalla, M.D.
Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)
Dr. Thomas Christopher Spalla M.D. is a top Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT) in Detroit, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Thomas Christopher Spalla M.D. is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Thomas Christopher Spalla M.D. is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Thomas Christopher Spalla M.D. is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Detroit, MI, Dr. Thomas Christopher Spalla M.D. is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
Dr. Thomas Spalla, M.D.
- Detroit, MI
- Accepting new patients
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How do I get rid of chronic mucus production?
See an ENT doctor for further evaluation. There are a lot of reasons this could be happening. One of the most frequent, and often overlooked by non-ENT docs, is what we call laryngopharyngeal READ MORE
See an ENT doctor for further evaluation. There are a lot of reasons this could be happening. One of the most frequent, and often overlooked by non-ENT docs, is what we call laryngopharyngeal reflux, "silent reflux", and a host of other names. Do some reading on this and see if it fits prior to your ENT appt. Allergies and chronic sinusitis are also potential causes as well. In other cases, chronic throat clearing itself can lead to irritation and the feeling of mucus in the throat.
There seem to be 2 bones in my thyroid/throat?
It's a little difficult to tell from that picture alone, but this warrants work-up from an ENT physician. After a history and physical examination, imaging is warranted - likely READ MORE
It's a little difficult to tell from that picture alone, but this warrants work-up from an ENT physician. After a history and physical examination, imaging is warranted - likely a CT or ultrasound - which may be followed by a needle biopsy. Get checked ASAP.
I lose my voice?
See an ENT doctor for evaluation, but this could represent a symptom of reflux. Try keeping a diet journal and noting what you're eating/drinking and see if anything may be worsening READ MORE
See an ENT doctor for evaluation, but this could represent a symptom of reflux. Try keeping a diet journal and noting what you're eating/drinking and see if anything may be worsening this for you while you await your appointment.
Can adult tonsillectomy be done with local anesthesia?
Can and "should" are two very different things. I would not recommend attempting a tonsillectomy under local anesthesia. Yes, historically, that has been performed, but the risks READ MORE
Can and "should" are two very different things. I would not recommend attempting a tonsillectomy under local anesthesia. Yes, historically, that has been performed, but the risks of doing so are not worth taking, and I would seriously question the judgment of any ENT physician who would accept such risks.
Thyroid ultrasound or second opinion?
It's unfortunate when medical decision making is so heavily intertwined with financial influence. This is very upsetting for you as a patient and me as a physician. Options for READ MORE
It's unfortunate when medical decision making is so heavily intertwined with financial influence. This is very upsetting for you as a patient and me as a physician.
Options for you:
1. Get the ultrasound -> shop around and call for rates. Different centers do charge different amounts. Try to negotiate. See if paying upfront for the study is cheaper than what your deductible might be.
There aren't going to be cheaper imaging modalities - CT and MRI - are FAR more expensive.
2. Get a second opinion - if you do, see an ENT physician - particularly one who specializes in head and neck cancer. I'm not implying that's what you have, but this surgeon is the type who deal with the neck and neck mass (if there even is one) daily.
Best of luck!
Options for you:
1. Get the ultrasound -> shop around and call for rates. Different centers do charge different amounts. Try to negotiate. See if paying upfront for the study is cheaper than what your deductible might be.
There aren't going to be cheaper imaging modalities - CT and MRI - are FAR more expensive.
2. Get a second opinion - if you do, see an ENT physician - particularly one who specializes in head and neck cancer. I'm not implying that's what you have, but this surgeon is the type who deal with the neck and neck mass (if there even is one) daily.
Best of luck!
Paratoid swelling?
There's a lot more to know about you and your condition to offer advice in this matter. Imaging studies, blood work (including an autoimmune work-up) and a detailed history should READ MORE
There's a lot more to know about you and your condition to offer advice in this matter.
Imaging studies, blood work (including an autoimmune work-up) and a detailed history should be presented to an otolaryngologist and potentially a rheumatologist.
Imaging studies, blood work (including an autoimmune work-up) and a detailed history should be presented to an otolaryngologist and potentially a rheumatologist.
Health issue?
A persistent difficulty with swallowing food should definitely be evaluated. See an ENT doctor to start. A swallow study, and possibly a gastroenterology evaluation may also be READ MORE
A persistent difficulty with swallowing food should definitely be evaluated. See an ENT doctor to start. A swallow study, and possibly a gastroenterology evaluation may also be required.
There seem to be 2 bones in my thyroid/throat?
It's difficult to tell much from the picture, but you definitely should see an ENT physician. Based on the location, it looks like there is swelling in the lower aspect of the READ MORE
It's difficult to tell much from the picture, but you definitely should see an ENT physician. Based on the location, it looks like there is swelling in the lower aspect of the left side of your neck. This looks a bit lateral to be your thyroid (possible), and more likely (given your age) represents a cyst.
Tiny lumps on the side of the tongue?
This looks like inflamed folliate papillae (taste buds). Google image some pictures to see if this fits best. See an ENT physician for further evaluation. Try to eliminate any READ MORE
This looks like inflamed folliate papillae (taste buds). Google image some pictures to see if this fits best. See an ENT physician for further evaluation. Try to eliminate any dental products with sodium lauryl sulfate and any whitening agents.
Strep throat?
Head to your primary care doctor's office or an urgent care for a rapid strep test. It still could be viral in nature despite having discoloration. Some of the worst tonsil infections READ MORE
Head to your primary care doctor's office or an urgent care for a rapid strep test. It still could be viral in nature despite having discoloration. Some of the worst tonsil infections I've seen have come from the Epstein Barr Virus (ie. Mono).
Ear drum question?
Given what sounds like a tympanic membrane perforation, I would not recommend putting anything in your ear canals at all. Please seen an ENT physician for evaluation and further READ MORE
Given what sounds like a tympanic membrane perforation, I would not recommend putting anything in your ear canals at all. Please seen an ENT physician for evaluation and further guidance.
Ear pressure?
That's very difficult to answer without knowing more information and examining you. Definitely start by seeing an otolaryngologist and audiologist during the same visit. This comprehensive READ MORE
That's very difficult to answer without knowing more information and examining you. Definitely start by seeing an otolaryngologist and audiologist during the same visit. This comprehensive evaluation will help pinpoint the cause of this issue and a remedy. Best of luck!
Pill possibly stuck in throat?
What I've seen most commonly in this situation is that a pill, or other object, gets lodged in the throat temporarily. It eventually goes down, but patients are left with the sensation READ MORE
What I've seen most commonly in this situation is that a pill, or other object, gets lodged in the throat temporarily. It eventually goes down, but patients are left with the sensation that something is still stuck. From my experience, the more traumatic the episode (larger items, violent choking, etc), the longer that sensation persists. It almost always resolves in a couple days; though I've seen longer in severe choking episodes.
Stay on a soft diet, continue your acid reflux management, and see and ENT doctor if this last longer than 72 hours.
Stay on a soft diet, continue your acid reflux management, and see and ENT doctor if this last longer than 72 hours.
Is tonsillitis serious in kids?
Tonsillitis is generally limited to a fairly severe sore throat that persists for days. That being said, there are numerous complications that can occur. So, discuss the severity READ MORE
Tonsillitis is generally limited to a fairly severe sore throat that persists for days. That being said, there are numerous complications that can occur. So, discuss the severity and frequency of these infections with your daughter's pediatrician and consider a referral to an otolaryngologist.
Brown specs in spit?
No, this isn't normal. You should start by seeing a pulmonologist given that you are already on inhalers and Singulair (I presume you are diagnosed with asthma).
Do I need general anesthesia for tonsilitis surgery?
Yes, patients are put under general anesthesia which means they are completely unconscious (not simply sedated like a colonoscopy or wisdom teeth removal) with a breathing (endotracheal) READ MORE
Yes, patients are put under general anesthesia which means they are completely unconscious (not simply sedated like a colonoscopy or wisdom teeth removal) with a breathing (endotracheal) tube inserted and mechanically (put on a ventilator - breathing machine) ventilated.
My ear canal is hurting?
It's difficult to tell from the pictures, but make an appointment with an ENT physician for removal of any foreign material and treatment.
Tonsil hanging?
It looks like some excess tonsillar tissue. See an ENT doctor for removal in the clinic. This should be very straightforward.
Foreign object in the ear canal?
Microscopic means that it wouldn't be visible to the naked eye, so this would be very difficult to find and remove. An ear canal infection (otitis externa) is generally clinically READ MORE
Microscopic means that it wouldn't be visible to the naked eye, so this would be very difficult to find and remove. An ear canal infection (otitis externa) is generally clinically evident and usually resolves with topical antibiotic drops.
See an ENT doctor for further evaluation.
See an ENT doctor for further evaluation.
Squishy lump on neck?
A neck mass certainly warrants evaluation. Please see an ENT doctor for a work-up. Based on its location and your description, I would bet it's likely a lipoma - a fatty tumor. READ MORE
A neck mass certainly warrants evaluation. Please see an ENT doctor for a work-up. Based on its location and your description, I would bet it's likely a lipoma - a fatty tumor.
