Simple goitre: what you should know

The thyroid sits at the front of the neck and helps regulate body processes through hormones. A goitre may appear as a fullness or lump low in the neck and may cause no change in thyroid hormone levels. In other cases, the gland makes too much or too little hormone. Hyperthyroidism can bring palpitations, tremor, heat intolerance, and weight loss; hypothyroidism may bring tiredness, feeling cold, dry skin, or constipation.

The swelling can be smooth or nodular. Size alone does not establish the cause, so examination is useful even when the neck is not painful.

Book a GP consultation for a neck examination and a review of symptoms, medicines, family history, and nutrition. A thyroid function test can show whether hormone production is within the expected range. Depending on the findings, the clinician may arrange imaging or specialist review. Avoid taking iodine or thyroid products without advice, because the wrong supplement can alter thyroid activity.

Seek urgent help if the swelling causes difficulty breathing, choking, or rapidly worsening swallowing problems. Arrange prompt review for a new or quickly enlarging lump, persistent hoarseness, neck pain, or a hard uneven area. Palpitations with fainting, severe breathlessness, or extreme weakness also warrant urgent assessment.

Ask whether your thyroid feels uniformly enlarged or has a nodule, which tests are appropriate, and whether your symptoms suggest overactive or underactive thyroid function. Ask when the swelling should be rechecked and what changes to report.