What you may notice
A thyroid lump is usually felt in the lower front of the neck. A larger lump may cause pressure, a visible swelling or difficulty swallowing. Some people have no symptoms and the nodule is found on a scan. Palpitations, sweating or weight change can suggest altered thyroid hormone levels.
Thyroid beside the windpipe
What could cause it?
A solid benign nodule, a fluid-filled cyst, several nodules, inflammation or cancer are possibilities. Lymph nodes and other neck lumps can be mistaken for thyroid disease. Ultrasound, thyroid blood tests and, when indicated, a needle sample help establish the cause. A lump's size or appearance alone cannot confirm that it is benign.
When to contact a doctor
Arrange assessment of a new or growing neck lump. Persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or enlarged neck nodes needs prompt review. Rapid swelling, noisy breathing or breathing difficulty is an emergency: call 108. Do not assume a previously benign lump cannot need reassessment if it changes.
How interventional radiology may help
Observation, medicines and surgery retain important roles. After appropriate confirmation of benign disease, IR may treat selected symptomatic solid nodules with microwave ablation or fluid-filled cysts with alcohol ablation. Thyroid artery embolisation may be considered in selected cases, with evolving evidence and careful specialist selection. These methods are not substitutes for evaluating a possible cancer.
Further reading: detailed assessment and treatment options
Patient information sources
References are in English.
Educational information, not a diagnosis. The causes listed are examples, not a complete list. Tests and treatment depend on your individual assessment.