Physical exam for thyroid nodules

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During a physical exam for thyroid nodules, your doctor will:

Look at your neck and throat to see whether there are any obvious lumps or enlargement. During the exam, your doctor may stand behind you or to your side and place his or her hands on the two lobes of your thyroid gland (one on either side of your neck). Then you will be asked to swallow water. If your doctor feels a nodule, he or she will try to determine about how large it is, whether it is firm or soft, and whether it is attached to other structures in your neck.
Feel lymph nodes in your neck to see if they are bigger than normal.
Listen to hear if your voice is hoarse or scratchy.
Check your heart rate and blood pressure.

A doctor who does many thyroid exams will be able to tell the difference between a thyroid nodule and general enlargement of the thyroid gland.

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Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism
Last Updated	April 12, 2007

Last updated:	April 12, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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