Growths on the thyroid can be nodules and goiters or thyroid cancer. Lumps in the neck can be caused by thyroid disease or other conditions such as:
Lymph node enlargement Lymphoma An infectious abscess A traumatic injury
However, you should know that a neck check is not considered the most accurate or reliable way to identify thyroid disease. You can have serious thyroid disease and have a completely normal neck check.
On the other hand, finding a major growth on your thyroid is likely not a serious problem; often, it’s a sign of an easily treatable condition, such as an iodine deficiency.
This article will go over how to do a thyroid swallowing test at home to check your thyroid. It will also help you decide when to see a provider about something you find on a thyroid neck check.
Remove any items, such as a scarf, necktie, jewelry, or turtleneck, that could block your view of your neck.
If you’re going to use a hand-held mirror, make sure it’s focused on the lower-front part of your neck.
Gently extend your neck back and slightly point your chin toward the ceiling so that you can get a longer view of your neck.
With your neck slightly extended back, take a sip of water. When you swallow, it moves your voice box (larynx) forward.
Swallowing will help you see the shape of your thyroid gland better. It will also make it easier to see any abnormal shapes.
Bigger than normal areas (enlargements)LumpsParts sticking out (protrusions)Parts that look or feel off-center
Doing a thyroid check just one time probably won’t be enough to get a proper look at your thyroid, so you can repeat the steps again.
Swallow another mouthful of water and watch your neck, taking note of anything that seems unusual.
Thyroid nodules are bumps that usually look round. You may feel a thyroid nodule rolling beneath your fingertips or see it move with your thyroid gland when you swallow. A goiter (swelling) is often on one side of the thyroid but sometimes it can be on both sides.
Gently touch the area around your thyroid gland to feel for any parts that are bigger than normal, have bumps, or are sticking out.
Here’s how to tell the difference between your thyroid and the other structures of your neck:
Slide your finger down the midline of your neck. The first hard structure you will hit is the thyroid cartilage that goes to your Adam’s apple. As you continue to move your finger down, you will feel another bit of cartilage called the cricoid ring. It goes around your windpipe (trachea). About two fingers-width below the ring is the thyroid isthmus. This is the tissue that connects the two sides of the thyroid gland. The lobes of the gland are on either side of the thyroid isthmus.
If you have a thyroid that is bigger than normal or any bumps, your provider might want to do some tests like:
A thyroid ultrasound Thyroid hormone blood tests A computerized tomography (CT) scan
Summary
A thyroid swallowing test is a way to check your thyroid gland at home. Doing an at-home thyroid neck check can help you find lumps or growths on your thyroid gland.
All you need to do a thyroid self-check is a mirror and a glass of water. You take a sip of water and watch your neck as you swallow. If you notice any areas that look or feel bigger or bumpier than normal, let your provider know.
A Word From Verywell
A thyroid swallowing test can help you spot potential problems with your thyroid, but it’s not perfect.
You could have a thyroid condition and have a normal self-check and finding something abnormal does not mean you have a serious condition.
The best way to catch thyroid problems, including thyroid cancer, is to see your provider regularly for check-ups.
If you do notice something unusual in your neck or are concerned, make sure you let your provider know. They can do tests that are more accurate than a thyroid swallowing test.
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When a thyroid problem is making a person feel like they’re having trouble swallowing, a barium swallow test can help figure out what’s wrong.
