Otolaryngologist James Zellmer, M.D., examines a head and neck screening participant.

When Metropolis resident George Giltner, 78, saw a newspaper ad for Western Baptist Hospital’s free head and neck cancer screening, he thought it sounded like a good idea.

“I had no symptoms, no family history and no nudging concern,” said Giltner. “I just thought it was a smart thing to do.”

Giltner’s smart thinking paid off.

Otolaryngologist John Resser, M.D., found a nodule on his thyroid.

Tests showed no malignancy, but Giltner was instructed to keep follow-up appointments with Dr. Resser. As time passed, the nodule grew, and Dr. Resser recommended a biopsy to determine a treatment plan.

“The biopsy indicated abnormal cells,” said Dr. Resser. “Removing the growth at this stage to assure it wasn’t cancer obviously was advantageous.”

Giltner had surgery at Western Baptist, where Dr. Resser removed his left lobe and a portion of his right lobe. A later check of Giltner’s thyroid revealed a clean bill of health.

George Giltner (above) of Metropolis is happy he attended a recent free head and neck screening at Western Baptist. Doctors found a nodule on his thyroid and then removed the mass.

“Mr. Giltner is a testament to the importance of free health screenings,” said Dr. Resser. “As with any disease, early detection is critical to treatment and, ultimately, to a cure.”

Giltner echoed the doctor’s message.

“I’m so glad I took advantage of Western Baptist’s free screening,” he said. “I really feel that by taking that action early, I avoided a potentially dangerous health issue that may have caused complications for me later. I’m thankful for such a great community service.”

Head, Neck Cancer Symptoms
Fortunately, Giltner was not diagnosed with head and neck cancer, a condition affecting about 39,000 people in the U.S. each year. Head and neck cancers frequently are diagnosed late, making them more difficult to treat and cure. Finding the disease early significantly improves chances of beating it.

Dr. Resser said symptoms include a lump or sore in the neck, throat or mouth that doesn’t heal; a persistent sore throat; difficulty swallowing and a change or hoarseness in the voice. Other signs include:

• Chronic sinus infection or nosebleed.
• Unusual bleeding or red or white patches in the mouth.
• Swelling in the jaw or under the chin.
• Ear pain or ringing.
• Trouble breathing, speaking or hearing.

Otolaryn- gologist John Resser, M.D.

Treatment depends on where the cancer started, how long it has been present and whether it has spread. It may include surgery to remove the cancer and/or chemotherapy and radiation therapy to kill cancer cells.