General surgeons also assess lumps and swellings in the neck, breast, skin and soft tissues. Most are benign, but a new or growing lump should always be examined. Early evaluation helps separate harmless conditions from those that need further tests or treatment.

Thyroid swellings, called goitres or nodules, are common. Assessment usually includes examination, thyroid blood tests and ultrasound, and sometimes a fine needle sample to look at the cells. Surgery is considered for nodules that look suspicious, cause pressure symptoms or are linked to overactive thyroid disease that medicines cannot control.

Breast lumps are assessed with examination, imaging and, where required, a needle biopsy. Soft-tissue lumps such as lipomas, cysts and abscesses are examined and removed or drained when needed. Tissue removed during surgery is generally sent for laboratory examination.

Services in this area at Apex include:

• Thyroid Nodule Evaluation: Clinical examination, blood tests, ultrasound and needle sampling where indicated, to decide between observation, medical treatment and surgery for thyroid swellings.
• Thyroid Surgery: Removal of part or all of the thyroid gland for selected conditions, with preoperative assessment and follow-up of thyroid hormone levels afterwards.
• Breast Lump Assessment: This includes looking at, imaging, and taking samples of breast lumps. If the lumps are benign or suspicious, they are surgically removed, and if necessary, the oncologist works with the surgeon.
• Soft-Tissue Lump and Abscess Surgery: Removal of lipomas, cysts and other lumps, and drainage of abscesses, with the tissue examined in the laboratory where it is appropriate.