Prof Christopher Goh is a Senior Consultant Thyroid, Head and Neck surgeon practising at the Novena ENT – Head & Neck Specialist Centre, with a focus on ENT surgical oncology including thyroid and salivary gland cancers. He previously served as Head of the ENT Department at Singapore General Hospital and is a founding member of the Asian Society of Head & Neck Oncology. He also holds a teaching appointment at Duke-NUS Medical School.
Clinical focus
Head & neck surgery / thyroid & cancer.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS (Singapore), FRCS (Edinburgh), FRCS (Glasgow), FAMS (ORL).
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Novena ENT – Head & Neck Specialist Centre — Novena
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): Mount Elizabeth Novena; former Head of ENT, Singapore General Hospital
Getting to the clinic
Prof Christopher Goh practises at the Novena ENT – Head & Neck Specialist Centre at Mount Elizabeth Novena on Irrawaddy Road, within the Novena medical district. The nearest station is Novena MRT (NS20) on the North-South line, a short ride from the city and Orchard. From the station, the Novena medical cluster is within a short, largely sheltered walk through the surrounding developments.
Buses run along Thomson Road and Irrawaddy Road nearby. If you arrive by car or taxi, Mount Elizabeth Novena has a paid visitor carpark, with taxi and ride-hailing drop-off at the hospital entrance. Because the Novena area links several medical buildings, check the clinic suite and level on your appointment confirmation, and allow time to park during busier clinic hours.
What head and neck and thyroid surgery cover
Prof Goh’s stated focus is head and neck surgery, including thyroid and salivary gland conditions and ENT cancers. The thyroid is a gland in the front of the neck that produces hormones; thyroid problems include nodules (lumps), goitre (an enlarged thyroid) and thyroid cancer. Many nodules are harmless, but some need assessment to rule out cancer, and surgery may be recommended for large goitres, troublesome symptoms or suspicious lumps.
Head and neck surgery also covers cancers and lumps of the mouth, throat, voice box, salivary glands and neck. Salivary gland problems include stones, infections and tumours. Care can range from diagnosis and biopsy through to surgery, often working alongside other specialists for radiotherapy or other treatments where a cancer is found. The aim is both to treat the condition effectively and, where possible, to preserve function such as voice, swallowing and appearance. Where a cancer is found, care is usually coordinated with other specialists so that surgery, radiotherapy and other treatments are planned together, and follow-up is arranged to monitor recovery and watch for any recurrence over time. Many neck lumps turn out to be benign, but because some are not, timely assessment with examination, imaging and, where needed, a needle sample is important to reach the right diagnosis.
What to expect at a consultation
A first visit usually starts with a history of your symptoms, any neck lump or swelling, changes in voice or swallowing, and relevant family or medical history. The specialist will examine the neck and the ear, nose and throat, often using a small camera to view the throat and voice box.
For thyroid and neck lumps, investigations commonly include an ultrasound of the neck and, where needed, a fine-needle aspiration in which a thin needle samples cells from the lump for analysis. Blood tests of thyroid function may be arranged. The specialist will explain the findings and discuss options, which may include monitoring, medication or surgery depending on the diagnosis and the nature of the lump.
Preparing for your appointment
- Photo identification and any GP or polyclinic referral letter.
- Previous ultrasound, scan or biopsy reports and earlier ENT records.
- Any recent thyroid blood test results.
- A list of current medicines, including any thyroid medication.
- A note of symptoms such as a neck lump, voice change, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and how long they have lasted.
- Any family history of thyroid disease or thyroid cancer, which can be relevant to your care.
- Details of previous neck surgery or radiotherapy to the head and neck if applicable.
- Questions you would like to ask about diagnosis and treatment.
After your consultation and follow-up
You may leave with a request for an ultrasound, blood tests or a needle sample, with a review to discuss results. Thyroid nodules are often monitored over time where they are not suspicious, while suspicious or troublesome lumps may proceed to surgery. If an operation is recommended, the clinic will explain the procedure, the risks, recovery and follow-up, which for thyroid surgery may include monitoring thyroid hormone levels afterwards.
Continuity is helpful where a lump is being watched or a cancer is being followed up. You may seek a second opinion at any time. Seek prompt assessment for a rapidly growing neck lump, difficulty breathing or swallowing, persistent hoarseness, or coughing up blood, as these can need timely evaluation.
Booking, referrals and fees
As a private clinic, you can usually book without a referral, though a GP or polyclinic referral may help with subsidies if you are later seen at a public clinic. MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may apply to eligible surgical procedures within set limits, while consultations are generally out of pocket. Costs vary with the tests and treatment needed, so confirm fees directly with the clinic.
Common questions
Are thyroid nodules usually cancer?
Most thyroid nodules are benign, but some need assessment with ultrasound and sometimes a needle sample to rule out cancer.
What is a fine-needle aspiration?
It is a quick test in which a thin needle takes a small sample of cells from a lump for examination, often guided by ultrasound.
Will I need thyroid medication after surgery?
Depending on how much thyroid is removed, some people need thyroid hormone replacement afterwards, which is monitored with blood tests.
Do I need a referral?
As a private clinic you can usually book directly, though a GP or polyclinic referral may help with subsidies at a public clinic.
Related guides
Sources & verification
See also: our editorial directory of ENT specialists in Singapore and our shortlist of ENT clinics.
This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.
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