What does a palpable thyroid mean?

A thyroid nodule is a palpable swelling in a thyroid gland with an otherwise normal appearance. Thyroid nodules are common and may be caused by a variety of thyroid disorders. While most are benign, about 5 percent of all palpable nodules are malignant.

Can you palpate the thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland normally lies just caudal to the thyroid cartilage in the anterior neck. This location allows an examiner to inspect and palpate this bilobed structure, which in the adult human being weighs from 15 to 25 g.

Is the thyroid normally visible?

The thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck just below the Adam’s apple (larynx). It is butterfly-shaped and consists of two lobes located either side of the windpipe (trachea). A normal thyroid gland is not usually outwardly visible or able to be felt if finger pressure is applied to the neck.

Can your thyroid gland disappear?

The thyroid is one of the few organs in the body that avidly takes up iodine. This allows radioactive iodine to selectively damage the thyroid gland without affecting other parts of the body. The thyroid gland is eventually destroyed and disappears and the body no longer produces its own thyroid hormone.

Is it normal to have a palpable thyroid?

A normal thyroid should be symmetrica. An enlarged thyroid can often be seen as well as felt. If there are any inconsistencies that you are worried about, consult your physician for a more detailed exam. A normal thyroid is often not palpable.

What does it mean to palpate your thyroid gland?

Palpating the thyroid is one way to ensure that there are no irregularities, which may be a sign of a metabolic disorder or cancer. Palpate the Tyroid Gently extend your neck while looking upward.

What happens if you have a nodule on the thyroid?

Hyperthyroidism can affect the heart and cause such problems as sudden cardiac arrest, high blood pressure, arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm), osteoporosis and other health problems. Thyroid cancer: Less than 5 percent of thyroid nodules are cancerous. How do I know if I have thyroid nodules? Most thyroid nodules do not produce any symptoms.

What are the signs and symptoms of thyroid disease?

When signs and symptoms do occur they may include: A swelling at the base of your neck that may be particularly obvious when you shave or put on makeup The pituitary gland and the hypothalamus are located within the brain and control hormone production. Your thyroid gland produces two main hormones — thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3).