What Are Thyroid Lumps & How Are They Diagnosed?

The thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, can sometimes develop growths or nodules. While over 95% of thyroid lumps are noncancerous, they still warrant careful attention due to the potential impact on your overall health.

Join us as we explore the ins and outs of thyroid lumps, their symptoms, and when you should visit an ENT Specialist in Singapore to get them checked. 

What Are Thyroid Lumps?

Thyroid lumps are abnormal growths that form on the thyroid gland and can vary in size and texture. They may be detected during a routine physical examination or when an individual experiences symptoms.

Some factors that may contribute to their development include iodine deficiency, inflammation of the thyroid, overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue, or thyroid cancer. 

In many cases, thyroid lumps may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, some may experience difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or a palpable lump or swelling in the neck. 

Thus, it is essential to pay attention to any unusual changes and seek medical advice at an ENT clinic in Singapore as soon as symptoms arise.

How Are Thyroid Lumps Diagnosed?

These are some diagnostic tests an ENT Specialist may employ: 

1. Physical Examination

The ENT Specialist examines the neck to detect any swelling, lumps, or abnormalities in the thyroid gland. They may instruct you to swallow as they assess your thyroid because a thyroid lump typically moves upward and downward during the swallowing process.

2. Imaging Tests

Ultrasound imaging provides detailed information about the size, shape, and characteristics of the lumps. In some cases, a CT scan may be recommended to obtain more detailed images of the thyroid and surrounding structures.

3. Biopsy

When imaging studies indicate the need for further investigation, a biopsy may be performed to obtain a tissue sample from the thyroid lumps. The most common is the fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, which involves using a thin needle to extract a small sample of tissue from the lump. The sample is then analysed to determine whether the lump is benign or malignant.

4. Blood Tests

The ENT Specialist may conduct blood tests to measure levels of thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone. Abnormal hormone levels may indicate underlying thyroid issues that need further evaluation. 

When Is Thyroid Surgery Necessary?

If the thyroid lumps are small, asymptomatic, and noncancerous, the ENT Specialist monitoring them may suffice. In other cases, the specialist may suggest thyroid hormone replacement therapy if the lumps are associated with an imbalance in thyroid hormone levels. Medications may also be prescribed to manage the lumps and symptoms. 

Thyroid surgery, also known as thyroidectomy, is usually recommended in a few circumstances:

• Cancer Diagnosis

If a thyroid nodule is suspected or  found to be cancerous, thyroid surgery may be necessary to remove the cancerous tissue. The extent of surgery will depend on the type and stage of thyroid cancer.

• Compressive symptoms from enlarged thyroid gland or lump

A significantly enlarged thyroid gland or a large thyroid lump may cause difficulty in breathing, swallowing, or speaking. If it is causing compression of nearby structures, thyroid surgery can help to reduce its size and alleviate symptoms.

• Hyperthyroidism

Thyroid surgery may be an option for individuals with an overactive thyroid that does not respond well to medication or radioactive iodine treatment, as removing a portion of the entire thyroid gland can help normalise thyroid hormone levels.

• Recurrent Thyroid Lumps

If thyroid lumps continue to grow or recur, surgical removal of the nodules or part of the thyroid gland may be recommended.

• Cosmetic Concerns

Some individuals may opt for thyroid surgery for cosmetic reasons, especially if a visible thyroid enlargement affects their appearance.

Learn more: What to Expect Before & After Thyroid Surgery

Your Guide to Thyroid Health

Regular check-ups and open communication with an ENT Specialist form the foundation of thyroid health.

If you are experiencing any symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to Dr Gan Eng Cern. His ENT clinic in Singapore addresses a diverse array of conditions, including the evaluation and management of thyroid lumps.

Get in touch to find out more.