Ear, nose and throat (ENT) physicians, also called otolaryngologists, specialize in treating problems of the ears, nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx, oral cavity, neck, thyroid, salivary glands, bronchial tubes and esophagus. Surgery can range from common tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils) to more complicated removal of malignant tumors. Head and neck surgeries are done by general surgeons, otolaryngologists and plastic surgeons, depending on the procedure and the physician's individual training. ENT doctors also are responsible for microsurgeries on the smallest bone in the body: the stapes, also called the ear's stirrup bone.