Did you know that a swollen neck may be a symptom of a potentially deadly disorder?
Although some people dismiss swollen necks as harmless, it is inadvisable to do so because they could be a tell-tale sign of a problem with the thyroid gland (a butterfly-shaped organ responsible for producing hormones to regulate your body’s metabolism).
In Singapore, thyroid conditions are increasingly being diagnosed, thanks to the rising trend of preventive health screening and greater awareness.
However, many individuals continue to overlook subtle symptoms or hold on to misconceptions about thyroid disorders, potentially risking their health. Globally, thyroid cancer has been recognised as one of the fastest-growing cancer diagnoses, with a 3% annual increase in incidence over the last few decades, according to the American Cancer Society.
In this article, I will share critical insights on why a swollen neck should never be ignored. I will seek to dispel common myths about thyroid conditions, emphasising the importance of early detection as a key to successful treatment.
BUSTING COMMON MYTHS ABOUT THYROID DISORDERS
Thyroid conditions are often surrounded by a web of myths that create confusion and cause a delay in proper diagnosis and treatment. Let me now separate truth from fiction and bring clarity to some of the most common thyroid-related misunderstandings.
MYTH: Thyroid cancers are painful and fast-growing.
Fact: Most thyroid cancers present as painless lumps in the front of the neck, near or below the Adam’s apple. These cancers are typically slow-growing and often remain silent even when they spread to neck lymph nodes.
My advice to individuals who notice a persistent lump in their neck, even without pain, is that they should seek medical evaluation promptly.
A 2023 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that nearly 80% of thyroid cancers are detected as incidental findings during imaging studies for unrelated reasons. This finding further highlights the silent nature of these cancers.
My clinic, Ace Specialist Surgery and Endoscopy (ACE), offers one-stop complete comprehensive thyroid evaluations within a single visit. This evaluation includes:
- Clinical examination
- Thyroid hormone tests
- Ultrasound imaging
- Needle biopsy under local anaesthesia (if necessary)
Results are typically available within 1-2 working days, enabling patients to act quickly.
MYTH: Thyroid conditions only affect women.
Fact: While women are five to eight times more likely than men to develop thyroid disorders, men are not immune. In fact, males have twice the risk of developing thyroid cancer compared to females.
Therefore, it is important for people of both genders to get their swollen necks checked by a doctor. People who notice a neck lump should not simply dismiss it as insignificant.
MYTH: Medications can shrink thyroid nodules.
Fact: Currently, no medication can reduce the size of thyroid nodules or prevent their growth. While thyroid hormone imbalances can be treated with medications, nodules require regular monitoring if they are benign (non-cancerous).
I also caution against using over-the-counter supplements or traditional remedies for thyroid nodules, as these have no proven efficacy. For benign nodules that do not cause symptoms, regular ultrasound scans suffice to track disease progression.
WHY EARLY DETECTION MATTERS
Many thyroid cancers are detected incidentally during routine health screenings. These early diagnoses allow patients to undergo timely curative surgery, often with good outcomes. Ignoring a painless lump in the neck could mean allowing a silent killer to go unnoticed, delaying treatment until the disease progresses.
I encourage you to prioritise thyroid health by scheduling regular screenings, particularly if you notice a neck lump or have a family history of thyroid issues.
WHEN DO YOU REQUIRE URGENT EVALUATION?
Besides taking note of neck lumps, there may be other symptoms accompanying a swollen neck that warrant urgent evaluation from a thyroid surgeon. These include:
- Painless Swelling or Lump: May appear in front of the neck and move up when swallowing. Painless lumps in the lateral neck may be due to lymph node enlargement.
- Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing: A swollen thyroid gland (goitre) or neck mass pressing against the trachea (windpipe) or oesophagus (food pipe) can cause difficulty breathing or swallowing. Compression of these structures requires immediate assessment to prevent life-threatening complications like airway obstruction.
- Hoarseness of Voice or Voice Changes Not Associated with a Viral Respiratory Infection: Voice changes may occur if a neck mass affects the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which controls the vocal cords. This could be due to thyroid cancer or other tumours compressing the nerve. Early intervention is crucial to preserve voice function and address the underlying cause.
- Persistent Neck Swelling: If swelling does not subside after a course of antibiotics or painkillers from a General Practitioner (GP), urgent evaluation by a thyroid surgeon is necessary.
- Rapidly Growing Neck Swelling: A swelling that enlarges rapidly could indicate aggressive thyroid cancer, such as anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, or other conditions like thyroiditis or an abscess. Rapid growth suggests urgency as it may cause compression of vital structures, including the airway and oesophagus.
- Family History of Thyroid Cancer or Endocrine Disorders: A family history of thyroid or endocrine cancers (e.g., medullary thyroid carcinoma, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes) increases the likelihood of hereditary thyroid conditions. Early screening and evaluation help identify and treat issues promptly.
EXPERT THYROID CARE IN SINGAPORE
At ACE, located in Singapore’s Mt Elizabeth Hospital (Orchard) and Gleneagles Hospital, we provide evidence-based, patient-centred care for thyroid conditions.
With more than 25 years of surgical experience, including setting up Khoo Teck Puat Hospital’s Endocrine-Head Neck Surgical Service, I have expertise in thyroid and endocrine surgery.
Beyond endocrine surgery, I also specialise in diagnostic and screening tests for thyroid conditions.
ACE provides a single-day diagnosis of thyroid and head-neck conditions. Enjoy faster symptom relief and clarity about your condition through our one-stop specialised diagnostic service that is comprehensive, seamless, and affordable.
Do not ignore a swollen neck – it could be more than just a lump. Early detection can save your life.
Book an appointment with ACE Specialist Surgery and Endoscopy for a consultation today.
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