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Thyroid pathology and the globus symptom: are they related? A two year prospective trial

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 August 2006

P Burns  and
C Timon
P Burns
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Victoria Eye & Ear Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
C Timon
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Victoria Eye & Ear Hospital, Dublin, Ireland Department of Otolaryngology, St James' Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Abstract

Introduction: The globus sensation is a constant feeling of a lump in the throat and may be associated with thyroid enlargement. A two year prospective study was set up to ascertain the relationship between thyroid pathology and globus symptoms.

Materials and methods: All patients undergoing thyroid surgery over a two year period were included. Patients were questioned pre- and post-operatively. Globus symptom scores were recorded using a visual analogue scale. The size, weight and histological features of the removed specimens were correlated and statistical analysis performed.

Results: Two hundred patients were included in the study; 58 were symptomatic for globus pharyngeus pre-operatively, and 80 per cent of these patients' symptoms resolved post-operatively (p≤0.0001). Patients with histological features of inflammation showed the greatest improvement (p≤0.0001).

Conclusion: As many as one-third of patients with a thyroid mass will complain of a globus-like symptom. Patients undergoing thyroid surgery, who are symptomatic for globus pharyngeus, can expect that their symptoms will improve following surgery.

Keywords

Thyroid GlandThyroiditisHypertrophyGlobus HystericusSurgical Procedures, Operative
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 121 , Issue 3 , March 2007 , pp. 242 - 245
Copyright
2006 JLO (1984) Limited

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Footnotes

Presented at the Irish Otolaryngological Society meeting, Westport, UK, 7th and 8th October 2005, and the Royal Society of Medicine meeting, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, 8th and 9th September 2005.