Current Opinions in Otorhinolaryngology in Japan

The field of otolaryngology has developed through the continuous efforts of otolaryngologists around the world. Changes that have swept the field over the past decade have been particularly dramatic. In the field of otology, the widespread use of cochlear implants has dramatically improved the quality of life of people with sensorineural hearing loss [1,2]. In the field of rhinology, the role of eosinophils in sinusitis is being explored continuously [3,4]. Antibody applications have been developed to alleviate and mitigate symptoms dramatically. In pharyngo-laryngology, improvements in surgical procedures have progressed to improve speech and swallowing functions [5,6]. For treating head and neck cancers, new options such as EGFR antibody drugs and cancer immunotherapy are transforming treatment strategies [7]. These remarkable advances have stimulated considerable improvement of prognoses and patients’ quality of life. This Special Issue presents, from various perspectives, recent findings achieved in the field of otorhinolaryngology in Japan.

We encouraged Japanese otolaryngologists to submit review articles, clinical studies, translational research, basic research, and even case reports that can be expected to lead to breakthroughs and to deepen our understanding of the following areas:

• Otology, hearing, neuro-otology (e.g., cochlear implant, middle ear surgery, hereditary hearing loss, equilibrium medicine);
• Rhinology (e.g., rhinosinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and benign/malignant tumors);
• Pharynx and larynx (e.g., swallowing/phonation, and transoral surgery with and without robots);
• Head and neck surgery for malignant or benign tumors (e.g., treatment strategies with radiation and chemotherapeutical agents, operation, and cancer immunotherapy).