The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped structure positioned low in the front of the neck. It is an endocrine gland that produces hormones regulating the body’s metabolism, energy levels, and growth. Performing a thyroid self-examination is a simple screening tool that allows you to check for unusual lumps or generalized swelling in this area. This self-check is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis, but it can help you identify physical changes that warrant a professional evaluation.
Identifying the Thyroid’s Location
The thyroid gland is situated in the lower part of the neck, nestled against the windpipe (trachea). To locate the general area, first find the prominent Adam’s apple (thyroid cartilage). Below this, you can feel the smooth, ring-like cricoid cartilage.
The thyroid gland sits just below the cricoid cartilage and wraps around the front of the trachea. Its two lobes extend toward the Adam’s apple and downward toward the collarbones. The central part connecting the lobes is called the isthmus, which lies over the second and third tracheal rings.
Step-by-Step Self-Examination Technique
The self-examination involves two distinct phases: visual inspection and gentle palpation. For the visual check, stand in front of a mirror with a glass of water. Focus on the lower front area of your neck, between the Adam’s apple and the collarbones.
Tilt your head back slightly to expose the neck area. Take a sip of water, but do not swallow yet. As you swallow, watch your neck closely in the mirror for any protrusions, bulges, or asymmetries. The normal thyroid moves upward during swallowing, so repeat this step several times for a thorough visual check.
After the visual inspection, perform a gentle palpation to feel the texture of the area. Place the pads of your index and middle fingers on each side of your windpipe, below the cricoid cartilage. Use light pressure to feel for the contours of the gland as it moves.
Take another sip of water and, as you swallow, gently feel the neck with your fingertips for any distinct lumps or generalized swelling. The thyroid gland is typically soft and smooth, and often not easily palpable in healthy adults. Check both sides for symmetry and note any firm or hard spots that move with the swallow.
What Abnormalities Feel Like
The normal thyroid tissue is often unnoticeable to the touch and should feel soft and uniform, if detectable at all. An abnormal finding generally presents as a distinct lump, known as a nodule, or a general enlargement of the entire gland, called a goiter. Nodules can range from the size of a pea to large enough to be easily visible or felt.
When feeling a nodule, you might detect an area that is noticeably firmer or harder than the surrounding tissue. Nodules may feel like a distinct, solitary mass or be part of a multi-lump enlargement.
Generalized swelling (goiter) feels like a diffuse thickening or widening of the lower neck. Occasionally, an abnormality may be tender or painful to the touch, which can indicate an inflammatory process.
When to Seek Professional Consultation
If you discover any new lump, swelling, or asymmetry during your self-examination, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider. Any finding that feels firm, hard, or fixed in place, or that causes pain or tenderness, requires professional investigation. A clinical check-up is also necessary if the entire neck appears enlarged or is visibly bulging.
Beyond physical findings, certain associated symptoms indicate a need for medical consultation, even if your self-exam is inconclusive. These symptoms include unexplained changes to your voice, a persistent cough not related to a cold, or difficulty swallowing or breathing. Your doctor will likely conduct a physical exam, followed by blood tests to check hormone levels and potentially an ultrasound to evaluate the gland’s structure. This professional evaluation is the only way to accurately diagnose the cause of any observed abnormality.