
Dr. Thomas C. Spalla, MD
Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)
2799 W Grand Blvd 8th Floor - Otolaryn Detroit MI, 48202About
Dr. Thomas Spalla is an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor, also known as an otolaryngologist, practicing in Detroit, MI. Dr. Spalla specializes in diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat as well as other parts of the head and neck. Such structures an ENT may work on include the sinuses, larynx (voice box) and mouth in addition to the ear, nose and throat. There are seven areas of expertise that an ENT might specialize in, and these are: allergies; facial reconstructive surgery; head and neck; laryngology; otology/neurotology; pediatric otolaryngology; and rhinology.
Board Certification
OtolaryngologyAmerican Board of OtolaryngologyABOto
Provider Details

Dr. Thomas C. Spalla, MD's Expert Contributions
Spot in throat
This appears to be a lymphoid rest (i.e., a small amount of lymph tissue under the mucosa) or a small retention cyst. It appears to medial (central) to be a tonsil stone. It appears completely inconsequential. READ MORE
Vocal cord damage?
It's unlikely that the lump you feel is truly damage to the vocal folds. The lump you sense could be muscular strain on the laryngeal muscles or it could represent inflammation of the larynx from the amount of singing you've been doing or from laryngopharyngeal reflux. See an ENT doctor for an evaluation. In the meantime, rest your voice as much as possible. Warm up prior to singing. Stay very hydrated and avoid acid-reflux inducing foods/drinks. A quick Google search will help with that. READ MORE
Dry skin on ear lobe?
Since it's been present for 3 months, I'd recommend an appointment with your primary care physician. It's likely a dermatologic issue. Perhaps it's something from a product or a contact dermatitis. It could represent eczema or a similar condition. Skin cancer is a possibility, but since you're describing it as dry skin, this is less likely in presentation. READ MORE
Stuffy nose?
It's time to see an ENT doctor and try and get to the bottom of this. Nasal steroid sprays - like Flonase, Rhinocort, etc - can be helpful, but they take several weeks of daily use to reach maximum effectiveness, a point many people don't realize. Your obstruction could be allergic in nature. It also could be physical - e.g., internal nasal valve narrowing. In short, there are MANY possible explanations and only through a discussion and examination with a nose expert will you find some answers. READ MORE
What kind of anesthesia is used for ear tubes?
This depends. In children, they are under general anesthesia - via mask. They usually have some oral sedation ahead of time. In adults, I usually put tubes in cooperative adults in the office without the use of any anesthesia - except topically on the eardrum itself. That being said, some adults can't or won't tolerate tubes in the office and they are generally managed similarly to children with the addition of IV sedation. If a patient is difficult to sedate or there are concerns for any airway difficulties, the patient may be placed under general anesthesia with the insertion of some form of tube in the mouth/throat to assist with ventilation and protect the airway. READ MORE
What is causing these symptoms?
That's difficult to say. Patients with "strep throat" often have a sore throat and stomach pains, but a cough is usually a negative predictive factor for strep throat. It could be a combination of factors and not one single thing to explain it all. If it persists, see your primary care physician. READ MORE
I need medical assistance?
You should get this checked out by a primary care physician. Make sure to provide a thorough past history - any current or past medical issues, prior surgeries, any medications or supplements, a family history (cancers, autoimmune or inflammatory disorders), potential exposures to animals and any illicit substance usage. READ MORE
Getting a medical humidifier?
Having this on your face may give you some benefit. As you know, did yourself, humidity will help to improve some of the sensation that you have. Keeping your environment moist is one starting point. Drinking plenty of fluids Will help. Additionally, there are over the counter facial steamers, which you can place over your face to help inhale steam in moisture, which can help mitigate some of your symptomatology. I don’t feel that you need to live with a face tent or medical grade facemask over the area to deal with your situation. Additionally, saline rinsing to the nose can be beneficial. Try consulting with a sinonasal surgeon experience with dealing with this. There are occasionally surgical options which could be tried to help bulk up the inside of the nose. This may give you some additional relief as well. READ MORE
Tinnitus treatment?
In short, yes. There are numerous treatments for tinnitus. Please see an experience ENT or audiologist who deals with this. Many of them see this condition but don't truly treat it. Call ahead or look online for tinnitus treatment centers. A thorough work-up is warranted prior to ANY proposed treatment. Also, do NOT waste your money on over the counter herbs/pills/supplements. READ MORE
What should I do?
Trouble using the restroom sounds quite concerning. Go see your primary care physician for an evaluation ASAP. READ MORE
Feeling of hair in throat?
It is possible, but not likely to still be present. Foods and liquids should be able to wash a hair away. A quick ENT exam will put your mind at ease. READ MORE
White lump behind tonsils?
It's a little hard for me to tell based on the picture since I can't enlarge it. It could be some reactive lymphoid tissue or it could be a solitary papilloma (similar to a wart you might get on your finger/toe). See an ENT and they should be able to tell you what it is. READ MORE
Large knot on ear?
You appear to have a blockage or infection, or both, of your right parotid (salivary) gland. Make an appointment with your physician or ENT doctor. In the meantime, stay well-hydrated, apply warm compresses, and try sucking on some lemon wedges/sour candy to stimulate salivary flow. READ MORE
Blood in phlegm?
I wouldn't say it's "normal," but it isn't unusual to have a trace of blood in phlegm with a hard cough or throat clear. Most of the time, it comes from the nose/post nasal drip/secretions. Other times, a small capillary in the back of the throat could break and result in this. Less commonly, with such a tiny amount, it could have originated in the lung. READ MORE
Throat pain?
It appears to be an aphthous ulcer. Referred pain to the ear is very common. It's worth getting a more thorough examination in person. READ MORE
Gum stuck in my throat for more than 5 months?
It would be highly unlikely that gum would be lodged in the throat that long unless you have a pathologic outpouching of the upper esophagus/hypopharynx called a diverticulum. Start by seeing an ENT doctor. A swallow study is likely warranted as well. READ MORE
Lump that swells and goes down?
This does appear to be a lymph node based on the location and picture. A lipoma (fatty tumor) is also a possibility. This could easily be excised (removed) in an ENT office under local anesthesia for a thorough diagnosis and to put your mind at ease. READ MORE
Should I visit the doctor?
What you are experiencing is eustachian tube dysfunction after this upper respiratory tract infection or sinus infection. This can lead to fluid accumulation behind the eardrum, and the middle ear space. See an otolaryngologist for an accurate evaluation and diagnosis. This situation may justify another round of antibiotics. Sometimes oral steroids are given in this situation as well. At times mucolytics and decongestants are often tried as well as auto insufflation of the ears. In some situations, temporary ear tubes may be placed or balloon dilation of the eustachian tube could be considered. READ MORE
What could my neck lump be?
This sounds like a reactive lymph node. It's likely swollen due to inflammation/infection. See your doctor for further evaluation and management. READ MORE
How to treat a child's tonsil infection?
Tonsil infections can be bacterial or viral. Discuss the possible use of antibiotics with her primary care physician. READ MORE
Expert Publications
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