PATIENT EDUCATION
Thyroid Nodules & Goitre
Thyroid nodules are common and most are benign. Evaluation focuses on thyroid function, ultrasound appearance, growth pattern and any symptoms caused by pressure on nearby structures.
Select a topic below to view more information.
Englishதமிழ்हिन्दी
A New Neck Lump
What you'll notice or feel
- A lump or fullness at the front or lower part of the neck.
- It may move when swallowing.
- Often painless.
- Sometimes noticed incidentally by another person or during an examination.
Common causes
- A thyroid nodule or cyst.
- A multinodular goitre.
- Thyroid inflammation.
- A lymph node or another non-thyroid neck lump.
What it could be
- A benign thyroid nodule, which is most common.
- A nodule requiring ultrasound risk assessment.
- Less commonly, thyroid cancer.
Initial self-care
- Arrange clinical examination rather than repeatedly checking the lump yourself.
- Keep previous thyroid scans if any.
- Do not start iodine or thyroid supplements without advice.
When to see a doctor urgently
- Rapid swelling with breathing difficulty.
- Severe neck swelling with inability to swallow saliva.
When to see a doctor
- Any persistent new neck lump.
- The lump is enlarging or firm.
- There is associated voice change or swallowing difficulty.
Pressure, Swallowing or Voice Symptoms
What you'll notice or feel
- Neck tightness or pressure.
- Food or tablets feel harder to swallow.
- Hoarse or changed voice.
- Breathing feels restricted when lying flat in severe cases.
Common causes
- A large goitre or thyroid nodule pressing on nearby structures.
- A non-thyroid neck problem may cause similar symptoms.
What it could be
- Compressive thyroid enlargement.
- A nodule requiring imaging and possibly surgical opinion.
Initial self-care
- Avoid delaying assessment if symptoms are progressive.
- Record whether solids, liquids or both are affected.
- Seek prompt review for persistent hoarseness.
When to see a doctor urgently
- Breathing difficulty, noisy breathing or inability to swallow saliva.
When to see a doctor
- Pressure symptoms are increasing.
- Voice change persists.
- The thyroid appears to be enlarging.
Nodule Found Incidentally on a Scan
What you'll notice or feel
- A thyroid nodule is mentioned on ultrasound, CT, MRI or PET done for another reason.
- You may have no neck symptoms or thyroid symptoms.
Common causes
- Thyroid nodules are common and are often detected incidentally with modern imaging.
What it could be
- A benign-appearing nodule needing no immediate intervention.
- A nodule needing dedicated thyroid ultrasound based on size and imaging features.
Initial self-care
- Bring the original scan report.
- Avoid assuming every nodule requires biopsy.
- Arrange thyroid-function testing if not already done.
When to see a doctor urgently
- Incidental nodules are rarely an emergency unless there are major pressure symptoms.
When to see a doctor
- The radiology report recommends thyroid ultrasound or specialist review.
- You have risk factors such as prior neck radiation or strong family history.
Nodule With Symptoms of Overactive Thyroid
What you'll notice or feel
- Palpitations, tremor, heat intolerance or weight loss.
- A neck lump may also be present.
Common causes
- Some thyroid nodules make excess thyroid hormone.
- Multinodular goitre can become overactive, particularly with age.
What it could be
- A functioning or “toxic” thyroid nodule.
- Graves disease with coincidental nodules.
Initial self-care
- Arrange TSH and thyroid hormone testing.
- Avoid excess caffeine if palpitations are troublesome.
- Do not take iodine-containing supplements unless advised.
When to see a doctor urgently
- Very rapid heartbeat with fever, confusion, severe vomiting or collapse.
When to see a doctor
- Hyperthyroid symptoms are persistent.
- Thyroid tests show suppressed TSH.
- A nodule is present with palpitations or weight loss.
Follow-up of a Known Thyroid Nodule
What you'll notice or feel
- A previously assessed nodule is being monitored.
- You are unsure whether repeat ultrasound is due.
- You notice possible growth or new symptoms.
Common causes
- Many benign nodules remain stable.
- Some enlarge slowly without becoming cancerous.
- Ultrasound features and previous cytology determine follow-up.
What it could be
- Stable benign nodule.
- Growth or new suspicious features requiring reassessment.
Initial self-care
- Keep copies of old ultrasound and biopsy reports.
- Use the same anatomical measurements for comparison where possible.
- Do not rely only on self-palpation to judge growth.
When to see a doctor urgently
- Rapid neck enlargement or new breathing difficulty.
When to see a doctor
- There is clear growth or new hoarseness.
- Follow-up recommended on the previous report is overdue.
- You have questions about whether biopsy or surgery is needed.
YOUR CONSULTATION
What to Expect at Your Visit
- Examination of the thyroid and neck lymph nodes.
- TSH is usually checked to determine whether the nodule is associated with altered thyroid function.
- Dedicated thyroid ultrasound evaluates size and sonographic risk features.
- Fine-needle aspiration is recommended only for nodules meeting appropriate size and risk criteria.
- Some overactive nodules may need radionuclide imaging depending on the biochemical findings and local practice.
- Management may be observation, repeat imaging, medication for thyroid dysfunction or referral for surgery when indicated.
* IMPORTANT: A Note Before You Go
Most thyroid nodules are benign, and a normal thyroid blood test does not by itself prove whether a nodule is benign or malignant. Ultrasound risk assessment is therefore important when a structural nodule is present.
This page provides general educational information and cannot replace an individual medical assessment. If symptoms are persistent, worsening or concerning, arrange appropriate medical review.
NEED AN ASSESSMENT?
Arrange an Endocrinology Consultation
For non-emergency assessment or follow-up, appointments are booked through the hospital’s central appointment desk on 0422 432 4433. For severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek urgent medical care rather than waiting for a routine appointment.