Dr. John Carl Di Toppa – Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor | Edmonton, AB

Dr. John Carl Toppa, a respected Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor (ENT Doctor), is committed to providing compassionate and patient-centered care for individuals with ear, nose, and throat concerns. Practicing at a clinic in Edmonton, AB, he serves the local community with a focus on comprehensive ENT services. Adhering to the standards established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), Dr. Toppa provides expert care in general Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, addressing a wide spectrum of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and related head and neck structures. His dedication ensures that both adults and children receive tailored treatment suited to their specific needs.

Dr. Toppa graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 1973 and has completed extensive post-graduate training in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. His certifications include comprehensive postgraduate medical education in this specialty, equipping him with the latest knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality ENT care.

His clinical philosophy emphasizes patient education, evidence-based practice, and a collaborative approach to care. Dr. Toppa is committed to providing high-quality ENT services in Edmonton, fostering a respectful and supportive environment. He speaks English and Italian, enabling effective communication with a diverse patient population, and prioritizes patient safety and outcomes in all aspects of his practice.

Dr. John Toppa manages a variety of conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck. Some common areas of treatment include:

Common Throat, Voice, and Swallowing Conditions

• Dysphagia (Swallowing Difficulties): Difficulty or pain when swallowing foods or liquids, which can stem from various problems in the mouth, throat, or esophagus.

Common Nose and Sinus Conditions

• Acute Rhinosinusitis (Sinus Infection): Short-term inflammation or infection of the nasal passages and sinuses, often causing facial pain, congestion, and thick nasal discharge.

Common Head and Neck Conditions (General)

• 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.
• Branchial Cleft Cysts & Sinuses: Congenital (present at birth) pockets or tracts in the neck resulting from incomplete development of embryonic structures.
• Benign & Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors (e.g., Parotid, Submandibular): Abnormal growths in the salivary glands, which can be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant), requiring careful diagnosis and management.
• 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.
• Thyroid Nodules & Goiter: Lumps (nodules) in the thyroid gland or overall enlargement of the thyroid (goiter), which may require evaluation for cancer or hormonal dysfunction.

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. John Toppa or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral.

• Diagnostic Audiometry & Tympanometry: Complete hearing tests to assess hearing levels, middle ear function, and identify types of hearing loss in adults and children.
• Interpretation of CT & MRI Scans of Head, Neck, Sinuses & Temporal Bones: Expert review of advanced imaging studies to diagnose complex ENT conditions.
• Flexible & Rigid Laryngoscopy / Stroboscopy: Examination of the larynx (voice box) and vocal cords using specialized endoscopic techniques to assess voice, airway, and swallowing disorders. Stroboscopy provides slow-motion view of vocal cord vibration.
• Flexible & Rigid Nasal Endoscopy / Sinuscopy: Diagnostic procedure using a thin, flexible or rigid camera with light to examine the nasal passages, sinuses, and nasopharynx.
• 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.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common otolaryngology services. Dr. Toppa 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. Toppa'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. Toppa's practice is primarily based at a modern clinic located in the Downtown Core neighborhood of Edmonton, AB. The clinic is conveniently situated near Rogers Place and is easily accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

Are services from Dr. Toppa, 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. Toppa 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. Toppa, 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. Toppa. 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.

I have a thyroid nodule. What does an ENT specialist do?

If you have a thyroid nodule, an ENT specialist (Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon) like Dr. Toppa will typically evaluate it through a physical exam, review any prior imaging (like ultrasound), and may order blood tests for thyroid function. A key diagnostic step is often a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, where a small sample of cells is taken from the nodule under ultrasound guidance to determine if it's benign or cancerous. Based on these findings, Dr. Toppa will discuss whether monitoring, further testing, or surgical removal (thyroidectomy) is indicated.

What does an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon (ENT Doctor) like Dr. Toppa do?

An Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon, often called an ENT doctor, like Dr. Toppa, 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.

When should I consider seeing an ENT specialist?

You might consider seeing an ENT specialist if you experience persistent issues such as chronic ear infections, hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), dizziness or balance problems, chronic sinusitis or nasal congestion, recurrent nosebleeds, allergies affecting the upper airway, voice changes or hoarseness, swallowing difficulties, snoring or suspected sleep apnea, or lumps in the neck or head region. Your family doctor can help determine if a referral to an ENT like Dr. Toppa is appropriate.

1215-10665 Jasper Ave NW, 1215
Edmonton, AB T5J 3S9

Phone: (780) 429-9911 | Fax: (780) 429-9926

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Toppa 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=03c37a00-ba18-442d-9eda-a39e1860ba32&i=375