Dr. Panagiotis Tsaparas – Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor | Burnaby, BC

Dr. Panagiotis Tsaparas is a highly skilled Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor (commonly known as an ENT Doctor) 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 a clinic in Burnaby, BC, he serves the local community with a focus on providing comprehensive care in general Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Tsaparas adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and up-to-date medical attention.

He completed his medical degree with an MD from the University of Calgary in 2000, followed by extensive postgraduate training in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Tsaparas holds certifications including: Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his expertise and commitment to high-quality ENT care. His training and certification enable him to diagnose and treat a broad spectrum of ear, nose, throat, and head/neck conditions confidently.

Dr. Tsaparas is committed to patient education, evidence-based practice, and a collaborative approach to healthcare. He strives to provide high-quality ENT services in Burnaby, ensuring that each patient receives personalized and comprehensive care. Fluent in English, he effectively communicates complex medical information to his patients, fostering understanding and trust in the treatment process.

Dr. Panagiotis Tsaparas 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

• Leukoplakia / Erythroplakia of the Larynx (Precancerous Lesions): White (leukoplakia) or red (erythroplakia) patches on the vocal cords that may indicate precancerous changes.

Common Nose and Sinus Conditions

• Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS) evaluation: A rare, controversial condition where patients experience symptoms of nasal obstruction and dryness despite having surgically widened nasal passages.
• Deviated Nasal Septum: A condition where the thin wall (septum) between the nasal passages is displaced to one side, potentially causing breathing difficulties.
• Nasal Polyps: Soft, painless, noncancerous growths on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses, often linked to chronic inflammation from asthma, allergies, or infections.
• Anosmia / Hyposmia (Loss or Decreased Sense of Smell): The partial or complete loss of the sense of smell, which can be caused by nasal/sinus disease, viral infections, or other factors.

Specific Pediatric ENT Conditions

• Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea / Snoring: Disrupted breathing patterns during sleep in children, often due to enlarged tonsils/adenoids, impacting sleep quality and health.
• Foreign Bodies in Ear, Nose, or Throat: Objects lodged in a child's ear canal, nasal passage, or throat, requiring prompt and safe removal by a specialist.

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. Panagiotis Tsaparas 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Interpretation of CT & MRI Scans of Head, Neck, Sinuses & Temporal Bones: Expert review of advanced imaging studies to diagnose complex ENT conditions.
• 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. Tsaparas 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. Tsaparas'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 British Columbia (CPSBC). A referral may be required.

Dr. Tsaparas's practice is primarily based at a modern clinic in the Central Burnaby, BCIT Area neighborhood of Burnaby, near Burnaby Mountain Park. The location is easily accessible via TransLink, including SkyTrain Expo and Millennium Lines, as well as local bus services. The facility is wheelchair accessible and offers convenient access for patients with mobility needs. Parking is available at the facility, providing ease of access for those arriving by car.

Are services from Dr. Tsaparas, an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests, and surgical procedures performed by a licensed Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Tsaparas are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP) or the clinic if you have questions.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to see Dr. Tsaparas, an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon?

Yes, for services to be covered by your provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)), a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Tsaparas. 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.

How can Dr. Tsaparas help with snoring and sleep apnea?

Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are often caused by an obstruction or narrowing of the airway in the nose or throat. Dr. Tsaparas, an ENT specialist, can perform a thorough examination to identify the areas of obstruction (e.g., deviated septum, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, large tongue base, elongated soft palate). Depending on the findings, treatment options may include lifestyle modifications (weight loss, positional therapy), CPAP therapy (often managed by a sleep physician), oral appliances, or surgical procedures aimed at improving airway patency. Examples include septoplasty, tonsillectomy, UPPP, or Inspire therapy in select cases.

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

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

What are common causes of hearing loss an ENT might address?

Hearing loss can result from various causes, including age-related changes (presbycusis), noise exposure, earwax buildup (cerumen impaction), ear infections (otitis media), fluid in the middle ear, damage to the eardrum or middle ear bones (ossicles), Meniere's disease, otosclerosis, or, less commonly, tumors or genetic conditions. An ENT specialist can perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause and recommend appropriate management, which may include medical treatment, hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or surgery.

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. Tsaparas 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. Tsaparas will discuss whether monitoring, further testing, or surgical removal (thyroidectomy) is indicated.

410-4460 Beresford St
Burnaby, BC V5H 0B8

Phone: (604) 428-5301 | Fax: (604) 428-5311

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Tsaparas is a licensed physician and surgeon, regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. 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 British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/325128/Tsaparas%2CPanagiotis