What should you know about goitre in the neck?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the lower front of the neck. A goitre may look like a fullness that moves when you swallow. It can be smooth, uneven, or include a distinct nodule. Some people notice no symptoms apart from the swelling.

A goitre may occur when the thyroid is underactive or overactive, during inflammation, or because of nodules. Pressure from a larger swelling may cause a tight collar sensation, cough, trouble swallowing, or a change in the voice. These symptoms describe possible effects, not the cause.

Book a GP Consultation for a new neck swelling, even if it is not painful. The clinician will inspect and feel the thyroid, check nearby lymph nodes, and ask how long the change has been present.

A Thyroid Function Test measures blood signals that indicate whether the gland is making an appropriate amount of hormone. Other tests may be considered if the examination finds a nodule or pressure symptoms. Keep a note of changes in size, swallowing, breathing, voice, weight, temperature tolerance, and heart rate.

Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, choking, or rapidly worsening swallowing. Seek prompt medical review if the lump is enlarging, firm or fixed, painful, or linked with persistent hoarseness or swollen neck glands. Do not try to diagnose the swelling by its appearance alone.

Ask what part of the thyroid is enlarged, whether your hormone results suggest overactivity or underactivity, and whether an ultrasound or specialist opinion is appropriate. Tell the clinician about thyroid medicines, supplements, previous neck treatment, and relatives with thyroid conditions.