What should you know about solitary nodular goitre?

The thyroid sits at the front of the neck and makes hormones that influence how the body uses energy. A solitary nodule may be solid, fluid-filled or a mixture, and it may occur while the rest of the gland remains normal. Many nodules do not cause symptoms, but a larger swelling can create a visible lump or a feeling of pressure when swallowing.

A nodule can occur with an overactive thyroid, an underactive thyroid or normal hormone production. Symptoms such as a racing heartbeat, heat intolerance or weight change may suggest hyperthyroidism, while tiredness, feeling cold or dry skin can occur with hypothyroidism. These symptoms do not identify the nodule's cause on their own.

Arrange a GP consultation for a neck examination and a review of any change in size, swallowing, voice or breathing. A thyroid function test helps show whether the gland is making an unusual amount of hormone. An ultrasound may describe the nodule's structure and guide whether further testing or observation is appropriate.

Keep a note of when you first noticed the lump, whether it is changing, and any medicines or family thyroid history. Do not press or repeatedly examine the area, because that can make the neck sore and makes changes harder to judge.

Seek urgent medical help if the swelling makes breathing difficult, swallowing suddenly becomes hard, or you develop a rapidly changing neck lump with marked pain. Contact a clinician promptly for new hoarseness, persistent neck discomfort or a lump that continues to enlarge. These signs need assessment; they do not by themselves establish a diagnosis.

Ask whether your thyroid hormone results are within the expected range, whether an ultrasound is needed, and what change should prompt an earlier review. You can also ask whether the nodule needs sampling, treatment or monitoring, and how your other symptoms fit with the findings.