September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month—a good reminder to pay attention to an important part of your health that can be easy to overlook.
Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck. It plays an important role in regulating many of your body’s functions, including metabolism, heart rate and body temperature. According to the American Cancer Society, thyroid cancer is diagnosed in more than 45,000 Americans each year and is often found at a younger age than most other adult cancers—making awareness at every age important.
Like any part of the body, the thyroid can develop changes over time. Thyroid nodules—small lumps or growths within the thyroid—are common, and the vast majority are not cancerous. But because thyroid nodules and early-stage thyroid cancers frequently cause no symptoms, they may first be discovered during a routine physical exam, an ENT head and neck examination or imaging performed for another reason.
That’s why awareness matters.
A thyroid nodule is an abnormal growth of thyroid cells that forms a lump within the thyroid gland. Some nodules can be felt from the outside of the neck, while others are too small or too deep to notice without an exam or imaging.
Most thyroid nodules are benign and don’t require treatment. However, certain characteristics may warrant a closer look to determine whether additional testing or monitoring is needed. Our physicians treat cancerous and noncancerous tumors of the head and neck, including the thyroid and parathyroid—learn more on our procedures page.
Many people with a thyroid nodule or early thyroid cancer feel completely well and have no noticeable symptoms.
When symptoms do occur, they may be subtle. Talk with your doctor if you notice a persistent change such as:
These symptoms can have many causes and do not necessarily mean you have thyroid cancer. But a persistent or unexplained change is worth discussing with a healthcare provider. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms warrant a visit, our post on signs you should see an ear, nose and throat doctor can help you decide.
Finding a thyroid nodule doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong. The next step is typically to learn more about it.
An ENT physician may begin with a thorough head and neck examination and review your medical history and symptoms. Depending on what is found, your physician may recommend a thyroid or neck ultrasound.
Ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed images of the thyroid. There is no radiation involved, and the exam can help your care team evaluate the size and appearance of a nodule and determine whether it should simply be monitored or evaluated further.
If a nodule has certain characteristics, your physician may recommend a fine-needle aspiration biopsy. During this procedure, a very thin needle is used to collect a small sample of cells from the nodule so they can be examined more closely. Not every thyroid nodule requires a biopsy. The American Thyroid Association notes that thyroid cancer is usually very treatable and is often cured with surgery and, when needed, additional therapy.
Hearing the words “thyroid nodule” can understandably cause concern. But thyroid nodules are very common, most are benign, and many can simply be monitored over time.
When thyroid cancer is present, identifying it appropriately allows your care team to determine the best next steps based on the type, size and characteristics of the cancer and your individual health. Several of our physicians, including Dr. Neelesh Mehendale and Dr. Carlyn Norris, have particular training and interest in thyroid surgery, and our team provides post-operative guidance for procedures such as neck mass removal and parathyroidectomy.
The most important thing you can do is pay attention to changes and don’t ignore something that persists. You don’t need to wait until a thyroid problem causes significant symptoms to have it evaluated.
ENT physicians specialize in conditions affecting the head and neck, including the thyroid. A comprehensive head and neck evaluation can help identify changes you may not have noticed yourself and determine whether further testing is appropriate.
If you’ve noticed a persistent lump in your neck, unexplained voice changes, difficulty swallowing or another change that concerns you—or if a thyroid nodule was discovered on a recent exam or imaging study—schedule an appointment with one of our ENT physicians at ENT Tex (Ear, Nose and Throat Associates of Texas).
Early awareness starts with knowing what to look for and knowing when to get it checked.
Longer days are great… but better nights can change everything.
Summer is often the season when we focus on feeling our best. We spend more time outdoors, take vacations, enjoy family gatherings, and embrace a slower pace. But while you’re planning your next getaway or tackling your summer bucket list, don’t overlook one of the most important investments you can make in your health: quality sleep.
If you regularly wake up feeling tired—even after what should have been a full night’s sleep—your body may be trying to tell you something. Many people assume poor sleep is simply part of getting older, having a busy schedule, or dealing with stress. In reality, it could be a sign of sleep apnea, a common but often undiagnosed condition that affects millions of adults.
The good news? Effective treatments are available, and better sleep may be closer than you think.
Sleep apnea occurs when your breathing repeatedly slows or stops during sleep. These interruptions can happen dozens—or even hundreds—of times each night, often without you realizing it.
Each time your breathing pauses, your brain briefly wakes you to reopen your airway. While you may not remember these awakenings, they prevent you from reaching the deep, restorative sleep your body needs.
As a result, you may spend eight hours in bed but still wake up feeling exhausted.
Sleep apnea symptoms often develop gradually, making them easy to dismiss. Some of the most common warning signs include:
Many people don’t realize they have sleep apnea until a spouse or family member notices their breathing pauses at night.
Take this quick self-check.
How many of these sound familiar?
☐ I snore loudly or regularly.
☐ Someone has told me I stop breathing while I sleep.
☐ I wake up feeling tired most mornings.
☐ I often wake with a dry mouth or headache.
☐ I struggle to stay awake during meetings, while watching television, or during quiet moments.
☐ I have trouble concentrating or remembering things.
☐ I rely on multiple cups of coffee to get through the day.
☐ I have high blood pressure or have been told it is difficult to control.
☐ My sleep leaves me feeling anything but refreshed.
0–1 boxes checked
Your sleep habits may be healthy, but if you have concerns about snoring or persistent fatigue, it’s always worth discussing them with your healthcare provider.
2–4 boxes checked
Your symptoms could suggest an underlying sleep disorder. Consider scheduling an evaluation to learn more.
5 or more boxes checked
There is a greater likelihood that sleep apnea could be affecting your sleep and overall health. A comprehensive evaluation by an ENT specialist or sleep medicine provider can help determine the cause and discuss treatment options.
This checklist is intended for educational purposes and is not a medical diagnosis.
Sleep isn’t simply about feeling rested. Untreated sleep apnea has been associated with increased risk for:
Treating sleep apnea doesn’t just improve sleep; it can have a meaningful impact on your overall health and quality of life.
Even if sleep apnea isn’t the cause of your fatigue, practicing healthy sleep habits can make a difference.
Try these simple tips:
✔ Maintain a consistent bedtime and wake time, even on weekends.
✔ Limit screen time for at least 30–60 minutes before bed.
✔ Avoid heavy meals and alcohol close to bedtime.
✔ Sleep on your side if you snore.
✔ Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
✔ Exercise regularly during the day.
If these changes don’t improve your symptoms, it’s time to look deeper.
Many people are surprised to learn that ENT physicians play an important role in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea.
An ENT evaluation can help identify whether enlarged tonsils, nasal obstruction, a deviated septum, tongue position, or other airway issues may be contributing to your symptoms.
Depending on your needs, treatment may include:
At ENT Tex our treatment options are more personalized than ever before, allowing us to find solutions that fit our patients’ unique lifestyle and goals.
Summer is the perfect season for fresh starts. If you’ve spent months or even years thinking your fatigue is simply “normal,” now is a great time to take the first step toward better sleep.
When you sleep better, everything feels better—from your energy and mood to your health and the moments you enjoy with the people you love.
If snoring, daytime fatigue, or restless sleep have become part of your normal routine, don’t ignore the signs. Talk with an ENT specialist to learn whether sleep apnea or another sleep-related condition may be affecting your health. Better nights can lead to brighter days, and there’s no better time to start than this summer!
Get Started Today. Find a Provider Near You.
Few things can ruin the excitement of vacation faster than sharp ear pain during takeoff or landing. Whether you’re flying across the country for a beach getaway or traveling overseas, changes in air pressure can leave your ears feeling clogged, uncomfortable, or even painful. Fortunately, understanding why it happens—and knowing a few simple tricks—can make your next flight much more comfortable.
Inside your ear is a small passageway called the Eustachian tube, which connects your middle ear to the back of your nose and throat. Its job is simple: keep the air pressure on both sides of your eardrum balanced.
When an airplane climbs or descends, cabin pressure changes quickly. Normally, your Eustachian tubes open naturally to equalize that pressure. But if they’re blocked, even slightly, you may experience:
This is known as airplane ear (ear barotrauma), and it’s especially common during landing.
Anyone can develop ear discomfort while flying, but your risk is higher if you’re traveling with:
If you’re already congested before boarding, your ears have a harder time adjusting to pressure changes.
Swallowing activates the muscles that help open your Eustachian tubes. Try:
These simple actions are especially helpful during takeoff and landing. The CDC Yellow Book recommends swallowing, chewing, or yawning during descent to help equalize ear pressure.
If your ears feel plugged:
You should feel your ears “pop.”
Note: Blow gently. Forcing too much pressure can actually injure the eardrum. The Mayo Clinic recommends performing the maneuver carefully to avoid injury.
If you’re dealing with allergies or a stuffy nose:
Reducing nasal swelling can help your Eustachian tubes function more normally. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) offers additional information about allergy medications and nasal steroid sprays.
Special pressure-regulating earplugs (often sold as “airplane earplugs”) slow the rate of pressure change reaching your eardrum. Many frequent travelers find they make takeoffs and landings noticeably more comfortable. Learn more about how the ear works from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).
Many people sleep through descent, which means they aren’t swallowing often enough to equalize pressure. If possible, stay awake during the last 30–45 minutes of your flight so you can actively help your ears adjust.
Babies and young children often have an even harder time equalizing ear pressure. During takeoff and landing, try encouraging them to:
These motions help open the Eustachian tubes naturally. Parents can find additional recommendations in the CDC Yellow Book: Traveling Safely with Children.
Most airplane-related ear pressure goes away within a few hours. However, if symptoms last longer than a day or two, or if you experience significant pain, you should schedule an evaluation with us.
See an ENT if you have:
Persistent symptoms may indicate Eustachian tube dysfunction, fluid behind the eardrum, or another condition that may benefit from specialized treatment.
Don’t let ear pain become part of your travel plans. A little preparation before your flight can help your ears adjust more comfortably so you can focus on what matters most—enjoying your destination.
If flying always leaves you with lingering ear pressure or discomfort, our ENT specialists are here to help. We’ll identify the cause, recommend treatment options, and help you travel with confidence.