Physical exam for thyroid cancer

If your doctor suspects thyroid cancer, he or she will:

• Check your neck and throat, looking and feeling for any lumps or nodules. You will be asked to swallow or may be given water to drink during the exam. Your doctor will try to determine:
  • The size and consistency of the nodule.
  • Whether the nodule is tender.
  • Whether the nodule is free-floating or attached to other tissues or structures in the neck.
• Feel the lymph nodes in your neck to determine whether they are bigger than normal.
• Assess your voice for hoarseness. Hoarseness may occur when a large thyroid nodule presses on the nerve that controls the vocal cords.
• Check your heart rate and blood pressure.
• Record your weight.

Credits