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
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 of doing so are not worth taking, and I would seriously question the judgment of any ENT physician who would accept such risks. READ MORE
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 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! READ MORE
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 be presented to an otolaryngologist and potentially a rheumatologist. READ MORE
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 required. READ MORE
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 left side of your neck. This looks a bit lateral to be your thyroid (possible), and more likely (given your age) represents a cyst. READ MORE
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 dental products with sodium lauryl sulfate and any whitening agents. READ MORE
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 I've seen have come from the Epstein Barr Virus (ie. Mono). READ MORE
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 guidance. READ MORE
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 evaluation will help pinpoint the cause of this issue and a remedy. Best of luck! READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 and frequency of these infections with your daughter's pediatrician and consider a referral to an otolaryngologist. READ MORE
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). READ MORE
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) tube inserted and mechanically (put on a ventilator - breathing machine) ventilated. READ MORE
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. READ MORE
Tonsil hanging?
It looks like some excess tonsillar tissue. See an ENT doctor for removal in the clinic. This should be very straightforward. READ MORE
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 evident and usually resolves with topical antibiotic drops. See an ENT doctor for further evaluation. READ MORE
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
Symphony orchestra with a ruptured eardrum?
It shouldn't be a problem from an acoustic trauma standpoint, but you may have an altered perception of sound and music. That, combined with discomfort, may hinder your performance. READ MORE
How can you help with bad hearing?
The first step is to have her see an ENT physician and audiologist. The audiological testing will determine: -Whether there is hearing loss -What type of hearing loss -How much hearing loss - Possible causes of the hearing loss The ENT physician can then give you options - and there are plenty - depending on the type and degree of hearing impairment. Call for that appointment ASAP and get her the help she needs. READ MORE
Aesthetic rhinoplasty ENS?
Empty nose syndrome is a fairly uncommon problem. I have operated on hundreds of patient's noses and have never seen a case from my practice. I have treated some patients with ENS over the years. The overwhelming majority of these patients (nearly all from what I can think of off the top of my head) had very aggressive intranasal surgery - particularly aggressive resection or removal of the turbinates (usually the inferior and in some cases, the middles as well). Nasal airflow and resistance is highly dynamic, fluctuates rapidly and dramatically at times, and is a highly individualistic experience which is what makes functional nasal surgery such a challenge. That being said, the likelihood of ENS after cosmetic rhinoplasty should be nearly unheard of in your situation as the techniques to achieve what it sounds like you want would likely entail tip cartilage modification and possibly dorsal work with or without osteotomies. READ MORE
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