+65 6253 7296 
Overview
The head and neck region houses many vital structures, including the airway, digestive tract, major glands, and blood vessels. As such, issues affecting this area can lead to serious consequences such as difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking. Neck conditions can also impact surrounding nerves and muscles, causing discomfort or more severe complications. Early diagnosis and timely treatment by professionals are recommended for managing neck health problems effectively.
Function of the Neck
The neck plays a central role in supporting the head and allowing movement, while also facilitating essential functions such as breathing, swallowing, and speech. Structurally, the neck contains the throat (pharynx and larynx), thyroid gland, salivary glands, lymph nodes, muscles, nerves, and major blood vessels.
Maintaining good neck health is critical to your overall well-being.
Common Neck Conditions
Thyroid Lumps (Nodules)
Thyroid nodules are growths that develop within the thyroid gland. They are usually non-cancerous but should be evaluated to rule out malignancy and determine the best course of treatment.
Salivary Gland Lumps
Lumps in the salivary glands may be caused by infections, benign tumours, or occasionally, cancer. Swelling, discomfort, or changes in saliva flow are possible signs.
Causes of Neck Conditions
Neck conditions may arise due to:
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Inflammation or autoimmune disorders
- Benign or malignant tumours
- Blockages or infection in the salivary glands
- Trauma or injury
- Congenital abnormalities
Treatment Options for Neck Conditions
The treatment approach for neck conditions varies depending on the underlying cause. An ENT specialist will assess the severity of your condition before recommending a treatment plan.
Non-surgical treatments:
Conservative management is often the first step. Infections may be treated with antibiotics or antiviral medications. Anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly prescribed to reduce swelling and discomfort. Hormonal therapy may be required for thyroid-related conditions, while minimally invasive procedures like sialendoscopy may help remove salivary gland stones without the need for open surgery.
Surgical treatments
If non-surgical methods prove inadequate, surgery may be necessary. Diagnostic procedures such as fine needle aspiration and cytology (FNAC) or biopsies help determine the nature of a neck mass. Surgical interventions can include thyroidectomy (partial or total removal of the thyroid gland), parotid or submandibular gland surgery, and tumour excision. In certain cases, reconstructive surgery may also be recommended following tumour removal.
Prevention for Neck Conditions
While not all neck conditions are avoidable, adopting healthy habits can reduce your risk and help you detect potential issues early.
- Practising good hygiene to reduce infections
- Staying hydrated
- Avoiding tobacco and alcohol
- Managing stress levels
- Scheduling regular ENT check-ups
- Monitoring any persistent or unusual symptoms
When to See an ENT for Neck Conditions
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s advisable to seek help from an ENT specialist in Singapore:
- A lump or swelling in your neck that does not resolve
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
- Mouth or throat ulcers that do not heal
- Ongoing neck pain or discomfort
Dr Gan provides comprehensive management of a broad array of Ear, Nose, and Throat as well as Head & Neck conditions. He has a special interest in treating various nose and sinus conditions, including snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
Dr Gan Eng Cern
Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist · Rhinology & Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery
Dr Gan is a fellowship-trained ENT specialist with deep expertise in rhinology and endoscopic skull base surgery. He completed subspecialty training at St Paul's Sinus Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver — a globally recognised centre for nose and sinus care. He has served as Senior Clinical Lecturer at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and has published research in international peer-reviewed ENT journals.
Medisave & Insurance Accepted
Practical ENT articles written or medically reviewed by Dr Gan Eng Cern
Expert articles on sinus, sleep apnoea, ear and throat conditions — written by Dr Gan Eng Cern.
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Visit Dr Gan's ENT Clinic in Novena
Address
38 Irrawaddy Road, #08-45, Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Singapore 329563
Hours
Mon–Fri: 9.00am–5.00pm · Sat: 8.30am–12.00pm · Sun & PH: Closed
Contact
Call: +65 6253 7296
WhatsApp: +65 9058 2480
Email: enquiry@drganent.com
Getting Here
Accessible from Novena MRT Station (North-South Line). On-site car park available.
Appointments
Patients may contact the clinic directly by phone or WhatsApp to arrange an ENT consultation. A referral is generally not required for a direct appointment.
Make an Enquiry
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