Thyroid Lumps: The Quick Reference
Thyroid Lumps: the whole thing in five minutes, for when you want the numbers and nothing else.
Nodules or swelling in the thyroid gland, most of which are benign.
Key takeaways
- Most thyroid nodules: benign
- Assessment: examination, thyroid function tests and ultrasound
- Most useful single change: See a GP about any new neck lump.
- Commonest mistake: Waiting to see whether a neck lump settles.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to speak to a doctor" below apply to you.
The numbers, in one place
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Most thyroid nodules | benign |
| Assessment | examination, thyroid function tests and ultrasound |
| Further testing | fine needle aspiration if features are suspicious |
| Concerning features | rapid growth, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, fixed hard lump |
In one paragraph
The great majority are harmless, and the small number that are not are found by assessing all of them.
Worth doing
- See a GP about any new neck lump
- Mention any hoarseness or swallowing difficulty
- Mention previous neck irradiation or family history of thyroid cancer
- Attend the ultrasound and any follow-up offered
Worth avoiding
- Waiting to see whether a neck lump settles
- Assuming a lump is fine because thyroid blood tests are normal
- Ignoring voice change
Where to go next
- The First Steps With Thyroid Lumps
- Your Questions About Thyroid Lumps, Answered
- Thyroid Lumps — the reference entry
- The Evidence on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Without the Hype
- The Evidence on Hormones and Mood, Without the Hype
When to speak to a doctor
See a GP promptly for any new neck lump, and urgently for a lump with hoarseness lasting more than three weeks, difficulty swallowing or breathing, a rapidly enlarging lump, or a hard fixed lump. Seek emergency care for difficulty breathing or stridor.
Where this comes from
- NICE — Suspected cancer: recognition and referral
- British Thyroid Foundation — thyroid nodules
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarised or generalised beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.
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