About
Dr. Janet Isabel Balderston is a highly skilled Otolaryngologist (ENT), also known as an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon, dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. Practicing at Balderston Janet Dr in Lethbridge, AB, she serves the local community with a patient-focused and compassionate approach. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Balderston's primary focus is providing comprehensive care in general Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, ensuring patients receive personalized treatment for their ENT needs. She is committed to serving both adults and children with conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck area, emphasizing patient education and support throughout the care process.
Dr. Balderston graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Dalhousie University in 2002, completing extensive postgraduate training in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. She holds key certifications including the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC). Her dedication to ongoing professional development ensures she remains current with the latest advancements and best practices in her field.
Her clinical philosophy centers on providing high-quality, evidence-based ENT care through a collaborative approach. Dr. Balderston values patient education, ensuring individuals understand their conditions and treatment options. She strives to offer accessible, compassionate, and comprehensive ENT services in Lethbridge. She speaks English fluently, and she is committed to fostering a supportive environment for her patients' health and well-being.
Dr. Janet Balderston manages a variety of conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck. Some common areas of treatment include:
Common Ear Conditions
- Cholesteatoma (Benign Ear Cyst): An abnormal, noncancerous skin growth that can develop in the middle ear behind the eardrum, potentially damaging ear structures.
Common Throat, Voice, and Swallowing Conditions
- Leukoplakia / Erythroplakia of the Larynx (Precancerous Lesions): White (leukoplakia) or red (erythroplakia) patches on the vocal cords that may indicate precancerous changes.
- Hoarseness & Dysphonia (Voice Disorders): Abnormal changes in the voice, such as roughness, breathiness, or strain, often due to issues with the vocal cords.
- Spasmodic Dysphonia: A neurological voice disorder causing involuntary spasms of the vocal cord muscles, resulting in a strained, tight, or breathy voice.
- Acute & Chronic Tonsillitis / Adenoiditis (Recurrent): Inflammation or infection of the tonsils or adenoids, which can be recurrent and cause sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or breathing issues.
- Laryngitis (Acute & Chronic): Inflammation of the larynx (voice box), leading to hoarseness or loss of voice, which can be short-term or long-lasting.
Common Head and Neck Conditions (General)
- Skin Cancers of the Head & Neck (Basal Cell, Squamous Cell, Melanoma): Malignant growths on the skin of the head and neck, which are common due to sun exposure and require specialized treatment.
- Oral Cavity Cancers (Tongue, Floor of Mouth, Buccal Mucosa): Malignant tumors arising in the mouth, including the tongue, inner lining of the cheeks, and the floor of the mouth.
- Branchial Cleft Cysts & Sinuses: Congenital (present at birth) pockets or tracts in the neck resulting from incomplete development of embryonic structures.
- Hyperparathyroidism & Parathyroid Adenoma/Carcinoma: Overactivity of the parathyroid glands, often due to a benign tumor (adenoma), leading to high blood calcium levels; rarely, cancer can occur.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders (ENT Assessment for Related Symptoms): Problems affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, where an ENT may evaluate related symptoms like ear pain or facial pain.
This list is not exhaustive and provides examples of common conditions. If you have specific concerns regarding your ear, nose, throat, or head/neck health, please consult with Dr. Janet Balderston or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral.
- Flexible & Rigid Nasal Endoscopy / Sinuscopy: Diagnostic procedure using a thin, flexible or rigid camera with light to examine the nasal passages, sinuses, and nasopharynx.
- Interpretation of CT & MRI Scans of Head, Neck, Sinuses & Temporal Bones: Expert review of advanced imaging studies to diagnose complex ENT conditions.
- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy of Head & Neck Masses: Minimally invasive procedure to obtain cell samples from thyroid nodules, lymph nodes, or other head and neck masses for diagnosis, often under ultrasound guidance.
- Allergy Testing (Skin Prick or Blood Tests - Referral or In-house): Identification of specific allergens (pollens, dust mites, molds, foods) contributing to ENT symptoms, guiding targeted treatment strategies.
- Comprehensive ENT Consultation & Examination: Thorough evaluation of ear, nose, throat, head, and neck conditions, including detailed history taking, physical examination, and formulation of a treatment plan.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common otolaryngology services. Dr. Balderston offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic and treatment options for conditions of the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck. Specific services may vary based on individual patient needs and Dr. Balderston's areas of focus.
All medical and surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). A referral may be required.
Dr. Balderston primarily practices at her clinic located in the Downtown Lethbridge area, within the South Lethbridge East neighborhood of Lethbridge. The clinic is conveniently situated near Henderson Lake Park, providing a peaceful environment for patients. The facility is accessible via Lethbridge Transit, making it easy for patients to reach. The clinic is wheelchair accessible to accommodate patients with mobility needs. Parking is available at the facility, ensuring easy access for patients arriving by car.
- Are services from Dr. Balderston, an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests, and surgical procedures performed by a licensed Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Balderston are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB when you have a valid referral from your family doctor or another referring physician. Some elective or cosmetic procedures may not be covered. It's always recommended to confirm specific coverage details with Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) or the clinic if you have questions.
- Do I need a referral from my doctor to see Dr. Balderston, an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon?
- Yes, for services to be covered by your provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)), a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Balderston. This ensures coordinated care. Some clinics may offer non-insured consultations without a referral, but this is not standard for provincially covered services. Please check with the clinic or your referring doctor.
- What are some common procedures an ENT doctor might perform?
- ENT doctors perform a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Common examples include hearing tests (audiometry), nasal or laryngeal endoscopy (using a small camera to view inside the nose or throat), tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (removal of tonsils and adenoids), myringotomy (ear tube insertion), septoplasty (correction of a deviated nasal septum), sinus surgery, and biopsies or removal of head and neck lesions. Dr. Balderston can discuss specific procedures relevant to your condition.
- What does an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon (ENT Doctor) like Dr. Balderston do?
- An Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon, often called an ENT doctor, like Dr. Balderston, is a medical doctor with specialized training in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. This includes medical treatments and surgical procedures for hearing disorders, sinus problems, voice issues, sleep apnea, throat infections, and tumors of the head and neck region.
- How does Dr. Balderston treat chronic sinusitis?
- Treatment for chronic sinusitis is individualized and aims to reduce inflammation, drain the sinuses, and address underlying causes (like allergies or polyps). This may involve medications such as nasal corticosteroid sprays, saline rinses, oral antibiotics (if bacterial infection is confirmed), antifungal treatments in specific cases, or allergy management. In some cases, if medical management is not sufficient, Dr. Balderston may recommend surgical procedures like functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) or balloon sinuplasty to improve sinus drainage and ventilation.
- How are allergies related to ENT problems?
- Allergies can significantly impact the ears, nose, and throat. Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) can cause nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, post-nasal drip, and itchy, watery eyes. Allergies can also contribute to chronic sinusitis, eustachian tube dysfunction (leading to ear pressure, popping, or fluid), recurrent ear infections, and exacerbate conditions like asthma or voice changes. An ENT specialist may investigate and help manage the ENT-related symptoms of allergies, often by recommending nasal sprays, antihistamines, or discussing options like immunotherapy, sometimes working in conjunction with an allergist.
Balderston Janet Dr
507 6 Ave S
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4N6
Phone: (403) 524-3681 | Fax: (403) 524-3669
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Balderston is a licensed physician and surgeon, regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to schedule an appointment for provincially insured services.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=e45f8b40-73d5-412a-a337-398c57347017&i=131