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2023 Author: Benjamin Dyson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 01:37
The thyroid self-exam is very easy and quick to perform and can indicate the presence of changes in this gland, such as cysts or nodules, for example.
Thus, thyroid self-examination should be performed especially by those who suffer from thyroid-related diseases or who have symptoms of changes such as pain, difficulty swallowing, swollen neck sensation. It is also suitable for people who have signs of hyperthyroidism, such as agitation, palpitations or weight loss, or of hypothyroidism such as fatigue, drowsiness, dry skin and difficulty concentrating, for example. Learn more about the signs that could indicate thyroid problems.
Thyroid nodules and cysts can appear in anyone, but they are more common in women over 35 years of age, especially those who have a family of thyroid nodules. Most of the time the nodules found are benign, however, when they are detected, they should be investigated by the doctor with more accurate tests such as blood hormone levels, ultrasound, scintigraphy or biopsy, for example. Check out which tests evaluate the thyroid and its values.
How to do self-examination
The thyroid self-examination consists of observing the movement of the thyroid during swallowing. For this you will only need:
- 1 glass of water, juice or other liquid
- 1 mirror
You should be facing the mirror, tilt your head back slightly and drink the glass of water, watching your neck, and if the Adam's apple, also called gogó, goes up and down normally, without changes. This test can be performed several times in a row if you have any doubts.
What to do if you find a node
If during this self-examination you feel pain or notice that there is a lump or some other alteration in the thyroid gland, you should make an appointment with a general practitioner or endocrinologist, to have a blood test and an ultrasound to evaluate the thyroid function.
Depending on the size of the nodule, the type and the symptoms it causes, the doctor will recommend whether or not to perform a biopsy and, in certain cases, even remove the thyroid.
If you found a nodule, see how it is done and how to recover from thyroid surgery by clicking here.
