The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that lies in front of the trachea (windpipe). It sits in front of the neck just below the larynx (voice box) at the notch at the top of the manubrium (breast bone). The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that uses iodine from food to make two thyroid hormones that control the way the body uses energy, makes proteins and also controls other hormones. Endocrine glands produce hormones. Often it is not easy to feel your own thyroid, so don’t worry if you can’t feel it, that’s a good thing.
Any swelling of the gland should be investigated. A swelling in the gland is often referred to as a thyroid nodule. This is a discrete swelling and feels like a lump in the neck. It may move when you swallow and can vary from soft to rock hard.
The term thyroid nodule refers to any abnormal growth of thyroid cells that develops into a lump within the thyroid. Although the vast majority of thyroid nodules are benign (non-cancerous), a small proportion of thyroid nodules do contain thyroid cancer. Because of this possibility, your surgeon’s priority when he assesses you is to exclude a thyroid cancer.
Our surgeons offer a ‘one-stop’ diagnostic neck lump clinic where you will have access to a surgeon, radiologist and pathologist at a single appointment with the objective of offering a complete thyroid nodule assessment concluding with a diagnosis and treatment plan.
The assessment includes:
The complete assessment and consultation with provision of results is completed in approximately 45 minutes.
Visit the neck lump clinic page for more info