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Thyroid, Head & Neck
Thyroid Lumps
Dr Dennis Chua is an experienced ENT Thyroid Specialist in Singapore that treats patients with thyroid nodules or thyroid diseases.
Diseases of the thyroid glands are common – It is estimated 1 in 20 patients will have a thyroid nodule that is palpable. Thyroid nodules are approximately more common in women than in men. Most thyroid nodules are benign and an accurate assessment will usually require an ultrasound scan and a needle biopsy along with a thyroid function test.
Lady with 10cm thyroid lump that turned out to be cancerous (papillary thyroid carcinoma)
Young lady with a small central lump that turned out to be a benign (folicular adenoma)
Minimally Invasive Video Assisted Thyroid Surgery (MIVAT)
Dr Dennis Chua is a skilful ENT Surgeon who is able to perform this minimally invasive surgery for suitable thyroid conditions.
Several minimally invasive approaches exist to remove the lump. An example of a minimally invasive video assisted thyroid surgery is shown below.
Personal Philosophy
Patient safety is of utmost importance and complete removal of a suspected thyroid cancer with clear margins is the priority in choosing the appropriate surgical approach. The American Thyroid Association guidelines is very useful in directing the management of patients with thyroid nodules.
Neck Lumps
Lumps in the neck are common and the cause is usually benign. However, the lump may be the presentation of more serious disease, eg malignancy or chronic infection (eg tuberculous lymphadenitis) and so a thorough assessment and diagnosis are essential. If there is any doubt as to the cause, then the patient should be investigated further either with imaging or a needle biopsy. Patients over the age of 40 are more likely to have a neoplastic cause. Inflammatory, congenital and traumatic causes are more common in younger patients but neoplasm (tumors) should still be borne in mind.
Investigations that may be helpful to evaluate a neck lump:
- Blood tests (e.g. thyroid function test)
- Fine needle biopsy (e.g. thyroid, salivary, lymph nodes)
- Punch biopsy (e.g. tumours in the nose, mouth or throat)
- Lymph node biopsy
- X ray, CT, MRI scans or PET scans
- Examination under anaesthesia and biopsy (e.g. tumours behind the tongue, lower throat and larynx)
Lump in the Oral Cavity
Ranula
The term ranula is derived from the Latin word rana, meaning frog, and describes a blue, translucent swelling in the floor of the mouth reminiscent of the underbelly of a frog. A ranula can sometimes present from in the oral cavity. A ranula is a type of mucocele found on the floor of the mouth. Ranulas present as a swelling of connective tissue consisting of collected mucin from a ruptured salivary gland caused by local trauma.
This lady presented with a ranula that affected her speech and swallowing. She eventually underwent a transoral excision of this ranula. Care must be taken to ensure the lingual nerves (sensation to the tongue) and hypoglossal nerve (controls movement of the tongue) is not affected during surgery.
Sialendoscopy
Dr Dennis Chua is a skilful ENT Surgeon who is able to perform this minimally invasive surgery for selected salivary gland stones/calculi.
Sialoendoscopy is a minimally invasive technique that allows for salivary gland surgery to be performed in a safe and effective treatment of obstructive salivary gland disorders (eg stones) and other conditions of the salivary glands. During sialoendoscopy a small endoscope is placed into the salivary glands through the salivary ducts that empty into the mouth. Sialoendoscopy is an efficient yet simple mode of treatment for major salivary gland obstructions, strictures and sialoliths(salivary stones).
Cervical Lymphadenopathy
There are around 300 lymph nodes in the head and neck region. Most cannot be felt unless they are enlarged. 95% of causes of enlargement are benign and are usually due to an upper respiratory tract infection. 5% of the time we worry about malignancy (cancer) or tuberculosis.
Thyroglossal Duct Cyst
A thyroglossal duct cyst is a pocket in the front part of neck that is filled with fluid. It is formed from leftover tissue from the development of the thyroid gland during embryonic development. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck. This has to be investigated frequently with imaging (either ultrasound scan or CT scan) to visualise the location and to ensure it is not the only source of thyroid hormone production in the body. Also a fine needle aspiration cytology can be performed to ensure there is no malignancy.
Frequently Asked
Questions
How Much Does ENT Cost in Singapore?
An ENT visit can start from $200 onwards and for repeated consultation at $180 onwards. These costs vary greatly between different ENT specialists, the clinics you visit, the severity of your condition, and the complexity of the procedure.
To find out more about or consultation rates and charges for various procedures, reach out to us via our Contact Us page and let us know more details about your condition.
What Hospital is the Best for ENT?
In Singapore, patients can choose between public hospitals and private clinics for ENT consultations. While costs may vary, the best option depends on your needs, preferences, and medical condition.
As a trusted ENT doctor at Mount Elizabeth and a MOH-accredited ear specialist, Dr Dennis Chua is well-equipped to deliver personalised, high-quality ENT care. Book an appointment today to find out how we can help manage your condition effectively.
Can I Use Medisave for ENT?
Certain ENT services are partially claimable from Medisave, depending on the type of procedure involved . For more information visit the MOH website for a detailed table on the amount claimable for each surgical procedure.
What Can I Expect On My First Visit to an ENT specialist?
During your initial visit to our ENT clinic in Singapore, you can expect a comprehensive evaluation by our ear, nose, and throat specialist. This may include a detailed discussion of your medical history, followed by a thorough examination focused on diagnosing and understanding your specific condition. Depending on your symptoms, further tests or procedures may be recommended to develop a personalised treatment plan.
Does My Condition Require a Visit to an ENT Specialist?
If you are experiencing ear, nose, or throat symptoms such as persistent sinus issues, hearing loss, throat infections, or nasal congestion, consulting an ENT specialist is advisable. Our ENT doctor at Mount Elizabeth are skilled in diagnosing and treating a wide range of ENT conditions. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, seeking timely medical advice can help manage your condition effectively and prevent complications.
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ENT Surgeons Medical Centre