Treatment of Thyroid Disorders
MRCS (Edinburgh, UK), FAMS (Otolaryngology)
FRCS (Glasgow), FAMS (Otolaryngology)
What Are Thyroid Disorders?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower front of the neck. It plays a crucial role in controlling metabolism (the rate at which the body converts food into energy).
Thyroid disorders occur when this gland becomes overactive (hyperthyroidism), underactive (hypothyroidism), or develops growths such as nodules or goitre. In some cases, abnormal cells may form, leading to thyroid cancer.
At our clinic, our ENT specialists provide comprehensive care for thyroid conditions, from accurate diagnosis and medical management to advanced surgical treatment.
Common Thyroid Conditions
Thyroid problems can present in several forms, including:
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid results in fatigue, sluggishness, weight gain, and sensitivity to cold.
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid can cause anxiety, irritability, tremors, palpitations, and unintentional weight loss.
- Thyroid Nodules: Lumps or growths that may be benign or, less commonly, cancerous.
- Goitre: An enlarged thyroid gland that may cause visible neck swelling or pressure symptoms.
- Thyroid Cancer: A malignant condition requiring precise diagnosis and surgical removal, often followed by adjunct therapies.
Symptoms of Thyroid Problems to Look Out For
Because thyroid hormones affect many body systems, symptoms can vary widely. Common signs include:
- Unexplained weight changes
- Fatigue or restlessness
- Neck swelling or discomfort
- Hoarseness or difficulty swallowing
- Hair loss or brittle nails
- Heat or cold intolerance
How Are Thyroid Disorders Diagnosed?
A comprehensive evaluation helps determine the type and severity of thyroid disease. This includes:
- Physical Examination: To assess thyroid size, symmetry, and the presence of any nodules or tenderness.
- Blood Tests: Measuring thyroid hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels provides insights into gland activity.
- Ultrasound: A painless scan that visualises nodules, cysts, or gland enlargement with high accuracy.
- Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy: A minimally invasive procedure used to collect cells for microscopic analysis if cancer or abnormal growth is suspected.
Additional imaging, such as CT or MRI, may be performed for large goitres or suspected spread of disease.
Treatment Options for Thyroid Disorders
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:
- Thyroid hormone replacement is used to treat hypothyroidism.
- Antithyroid medications help suppress hormone production in hyperthyroidism.
When to See a Specialist for a Potential Thyroid Disorder?
You should consult an ENT specialist if you notice:
- A lump, swelling, or tightness in the neck
- Persistent hoarseness or voice changes
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- A family history of thyroid disease or thyroid cancer
- Unexplained fatigue, weight fluctuations, or palpitations
Early assessment ensures timely diagnosis and treatment, improving long-term outcomes and quality of life.
FAQs
OUR DOCTORS
Meet Our
ENT Specialists
Our clinic is led by two experienced ENT specialists, each with their own subspecialties, offering comprehensive expertise across all areas of ENT care. This ensures our patients receive care that is both broad in scope and deep in specialised insight.
Dr Barrie Tan
Senior Consultant ENT Specialist
MBBS (Singapore), MMed (ENT) (Singapore)
MRCS (Edinburgh, UK), FAMS (Otolaryngology)
Dr Barrie Tan has over 25 years of experience in ENT, particularly in the field of hearing loss and cochlear implants, snoring and sleep apnea, as well as endoscopic ear surgery.
Dr Barrie was a President’s Scholar and the former Head of the ENT Department at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and the Director of the Centre for Hearing and Ear Implants. He continues to hold various leadership positions in several ENT professional bodies today.
At his practice, Dr Barrie places great emphasis on listening carefully to his patients and providing the most personalised and supportive care possible.
Dr Ranjit Magherra
Senior Consultant ENT Head & Neck Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), FRCS (Edinburgh)
FRCS (Glasgow), FAMS (Otolaryngology)
Dr Ranjit Magherra is an accomplished ENT Head & Neck Specialist with over 25 years of experience. He was also fellowship-trained in Head & Neck and Thyroid Surgery.
Dr Ranjit was formerly the Head of the ENT Head & Neck Surgery Department at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH), as well as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore.
He has also received several Service Quality Awards during his time in the public sector and continues to bring the same level of dedication to his patients even today.