Throat & Neck Conditions in Adults
Conditions affecting your throat and neck—such as tonsillitis, difficulty swallowing, and issues with thyroid, parathyroid, and salivary glands—can significantly impact your health, comfort, and quality of life.
Dr Nicholas Phillips provides expert diagnosis, management, and surgical treatment tailored specifically to each patient’s condition and symptoms.
Understanding throat & neck conditions
The throat and neck house essential structures vital for breathing, swallowing, speaking, hormone regulation, and digestion.
Problems in these areas can lead to discomfort, ongoing symptoms, and potential complications if left untreated.
Early evaluation and targeted treatment by an experienced ENT specialist ensures the best possible outcomes.
Common throat conditions
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis involves inflammation of the tonsils, commonly due to viral or bacterial infections. Frequent or severe tonsillitis may significantly impact daily activities and overall health.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Recurrent sore throat
- Difficulty or pain swallowing
- Enlarged tonsils with white spots
- Fever or swollen neck glands
Treatment options:
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Tonsillectomy (surgical removal) for recurrent or severe cases
Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia)
Difficulty swallowing can stem from inflammation, narrowing of the oesophagus, or neuromuscular issues. Persistent dysphagia requires thorough evaluation to identify and treat underlying causes.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Feeling of food sticking in the throat
- Painful swallowing
- Coughing or choking during meals
- Unintentional weight loss or dehydration
Treatment options:
- Medication for reflux or inflammation
- Endoscopy to diagnose and treat structural obstructions
- Surgical intervention in specific cases
Thyroid conditions: Nodules, Goitre, and Thyroid cancer
The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that plays a big role in regulating your body’s metabolism, energy, and hormone levels. Problems can develop in the form of nodules, enlargement (goitre), or cancer.
Common thyroid conditions
Thyroid Nodules
These are lumps within the thyroid gland and are very common, particularly as people age. Most are benign (non-cancerous), but some can grow, affect how your thyroid works, cause pressure symptoms or in rare cases, be cancerous.
Goitre
A visibly enlarged thyroid. It may cause pressure symptoms, such as throat tightness, difficulty swallowing, or a persistent cough.
Thyroid Cancer
It was the 9th most common cancer, affecting more than 4000 Australians in 2024. It often presents without pain and typically requires prompt investigation and surgical treatment
When to seek ENT assessment
Symptoms to watch for include
- A lump or swelling in the front of the neck
- Hoarseness or changes in your voice
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Abnormal thyroid blood test results
Why See an ENT Surgeon?
While thyroid conditions are sometimes managed by general surgeons, ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) specialists offer the advantage of expertise in the anatomy of the neck, voice box, and airway.
All patients undergoing thyroid surgery require a vocal cord check before the operation to ensure that the nerves controlling the voice box are functioning correctly. As ENT specialists, we can perform this check painlessly during your initial consultation using a thin camera through the nose, avoiding delays and extra appointments.
This comprehensive assessment ensures you get timely and expert care, especially if you’re experiencing voice changes or other concerning symptoms.
Surgical procedures performed by Dr Phillips
Book a consultation
If you’ve noticed a neck lump, been diagnosed with a thyroid, parathyroid, or salivary gland condition, or are experiencing swelling, discomfort, or hormonal changes, Dr Nicholas Phillips can provide a thorough assessment and discuss treatment options.
