A head and neck specialist diagnoses and treats conditions of the thyroid, salivary glands, and the structures of the neck, including neck lumps and head and neck cancers. At Novena ENT, these conditions are assessed and managed within the group practice, led by the practice’s thyroid, head and neck surgeon, who previously headed the ENT department at Singapore General Hospital.
When to see a head and neck specialist
A head and neck specialist deals with the area between the collarbone and the base of the skull, excluding the brain and the eyes. People are usually referred to head and neck specialist Singapore when something is found that needs a closer look. The most common reason is a neck lump.
A lump in the neck that lasts more than 3 weeks should be checked, particularly in adults, because while many neck lumps are harmless, some are the first sign of a thyroid problem or head and neck cancer. Other reasons to see a specialist include a swelling at the front of the neck that moves when you swallow, a persistent change in voice, difficulty swallowing, or a lump near the jaw or below the ear. Finding the cause early matters, and a specialist can examine the area, scan it, and sample it in one visit if needed.
Conditions a head and neck specialist treats
The head and neck region holds the thyroid gland, the salivary glands, lymph nodes, and the upper parts of the airway and food pipe. Common conditions managed include:
- Thyroid nodules, goitres, and thyroid cancer
- Neck lumps and enlarged lymph nodes
- Salivary gland conditions, including stones and tumours of the parotid and submandibular glands
- Head and neck cancers, including those of the mouth, throat, and nasopharynx
- Lumps and swellings that need a tissue diagnosis
Each of these has its own assessment and treatment path. The thyroid and head and neck surgery service pages on this site cover specific procedures such as thyroid surgery, parotid surgery, and neck dissection.
What to expect at a consultation
A first visit starts with your history and an examination of the neck and the relevant area. Head and neck assessment relies on imaging and tissue sampling, and much of this can be done in the clinic. Depending on what is found, the assessment may include:
- Ultrasound of the neck and thyroid, to look at a lump and guide sampling
- Fine needle aspiration (FNA), where a thin needle takes a small sample from a lump for testing
- Nasal endoscopy, to view the upper throat and nasopharynx
- Access to PET-MRI imaging at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital for detailed assessment of head and neck tumours, alongside other scans where needed
Putting the examination, imaging, and a tissue sample together lets the specialist reach a diagnosis and plan treatment around it. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and ranges from monitoring and medication to surgery, coordinated with cancer specialists where that applies.
Thyroid, head and neck care at Novena ENT
Novena ENT is a specialist ENT and head and neck surgery practice at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre.
Thyroid, head and neck conditions are managed within the group practice, with a sub-speciality focus in thyroid and head and neck surgery, including surgical oncology for ENT cancers. Diagnostic facilities for ultrasound, FNA, and endoscopy are available in the centre, with access to advanced imaging in the same hospital, so assessment and sampling can often happen in a single visit. Where a condition needs input from cancer or other specialists, care is coordinated across the team.
Combined with our medical and surgical treatments, our patients receive comprehensive care in the management of head and neck conditions led by our sub-specialist surgeon Dr Christopher Goh.
Frequently asked questions
When should I get a neck lump checked?
A neck lump that lasts more than 3 weeks should be assessed, especially in adults. Many neck lumps are harmless, but some are an early sign of a thyroid condition or head and neck cancer, and finding the cause early gives more treatment options.
Do I need a referral to see a head and neck specialist in Singapore?
A referral is not strictly required to see a private ENT specialist, though a GP or polyclinic referral letter can be useful for your records and may be needed for certain insurance or Medisave claims. Check with your insurer on their requirements.
What is a fine needle aspiration (FNA)?
FNA is a quick test where a thin needle takes a small sample of cells from a lump, often guided by ultrasound. The sample is examined to find out what the lump is. It is done in the clinic and is less invasive than a surgical biopsy.
Is a thyroid nodule serious?
Most thyroid nodules are not cancerous, but they are assessed to be sure, usually with an ultrasound and sometimes an FNA. The specialist checks the nodule’s features and your thyroid function, then advises whether it needs monitoring, treatment, or surgery.
What is the difference between a head and neck specialist and a general ENT?
A head and neck specialist is an ENT surgeon with a sub-speciality focus on the thyroid, salivary glands, neck, and head and neck cancers. A general ENT covers the ear, nose, and throat broadly. In this practice, head and neck cases are directed to the surgeon with that focus.
If you have a neck lump, a thyroid concern, or another head and neck symptom that has persisted, an assessment can identify the cause and the treatment that fits. Visit the contact page to request an appointment with Novena ENT.
