It’s also called a neck check.
it’s possible for you to do the thyroid swallowing test at home to check for an enlarged thyroid.
What Is Your Thyroid?
ablokhin / Getty Images
Thethyroid glandis a small, butterfly-shaped organ located in the lower front of the neck.
It’s just above your clavicle (collarbone) and below your larynx (voice box).
Growths on the thyroid can benodulesandgoitersorthyroid cancer.
it’s possible for you to have serious thyroid disease and have a completely normal neck check.
Position Your Neck
Your neck needs to be in the right position for a thyroid swallowing test.
Sip Water
The actual “swallowing” part of a thyroid swallowing test comes next.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
With your neck slightly extended back, take a sip of water.
When you swallow, it moves your voice box (larynx) forward.
Swallowing will help you see the shape of your thyroid gland better.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
It will also make it easier to see any abnormal shapes.
Swallow another mouthful of water and watch your neck, taking note of anything that seems unusual.
Nodules vs. Goiters
When you do a thyroid swallowing test you might see nodules or goiters.
Finding a nodule when you do a thyroid swallowing test does not mean that you havethyroid cancer.
In fact, only around 5% of thyroid nodules tested are cancerous.
Summary
A thyroid swallowing test is a way to check your thyroid gland at home.
Doing an at-home thyroid neck check can help you find lumps or an enlarged thyroid gland.
All you better do a thyroid self-check is a mirror and a glass of water.
You take a sip of water and watch your neck as you swallow.
If you notice any areas that look or feel bigger or bumpier than normal, let your provider know.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
People with thyroid conditions may havetrouble swallowing.
2018;6:232470961877870. doi:10.1177/232470961877
Penn Medicine.Goiter.
University of California San Francisco Health.Thyroid nodules and goiter.
2017;157(2_Suppl):S1-30.
doi:10.1177/0194599817722550
American Cancer Society.Tests for thyroid cancer.
Kant R, Davis A, Verma V.Thyroid nodules: advances in evaluation and management.AFP.
2020;102(5):298-304.
