Finding a lump in your neck can feel worrying. Even if it isn’t painful, it’s natural to wonder what it is and whether it needs checking.
One possible cause is a goitre, which is a generalised swelling of the thyroid gland. Goitres are quite common. Not all neck lumps are linked to the thyroid, though.
What is a goitre?
A goitre is an enlarged thyroid gland. Your thyroid gland sits at the front of the neck, just below the voice box.
The thyroid helps control things like your energy levels, body temperature and how fast your body uses energy. If the gland grows, it can cause a visible or noticeable swelling in the lower part of your neck.
Goitres can develop for different reasons. Some are linked to changes in thyroid hormone levels, while others happen even when thyroid function is normal.
In many cases, a goitre often develops gradually. You might notice a feeling of fullness in the neck or a change when you look in the mirror.
What does a goitre feel like?
A goitre often feels like a soft or firm swelling at the front of the neck. Some people notice it moving slightly when they swallow. It may cause no symptoms at all, particularly if it’s small.
As it gets bigger, a goitre can start to cause discomfort or a feeling of pressure.
Some people may notice:
- Difficulty swallowing
- A feeling of tightness or swelling in the neck
- Changes to the voice, such as hoarseness
Less commonly, a large goitre can affect breathing, particularly when lying flat.
Is every neck lump a goitre?
Neck lumps are common and aren’t always related to the thyroid.
One of the most common causes of neck lumps is swollen lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small glands that help your immune system fight infection. They can swell when your body is dealing with an infection such as a cold or a throat infection.
Other possible causes include cysts and lipomas:
- A cyst is usually a fluid-filled lump
- A lipoma is a soft lump made of fatty tissue
The position of a lump can sometimes offer clues. Goitres usually sit at the lower front of the neck and may move slightly when you swallow. Lumps at the side of the neck or under the jaw are more often linked to lymph nodes or your salivary glands, although there can be an overlap.
Because different conditions can feel similar, a proper examination is the best way to understand what’s causing a neck lump and whether you need any further tests.
When should a goitre be checked?
Any new neck lump that doesn’t settle after a few weeks should be assessed by a doctor.
It’s also worth getting advice sooner if you notice any of the following:
- The lump is getting bigger
- It feels hard or fixed in place
- You have ongoing hoarseness
- Swallowing has become difficult
- You have unexplained weight loss
Even if a goitre isn’t causing problems, checking your thyroid function and confirming the cause can help you feel reassured.
In some cases, treatment isn’t needed straight away, but monitoring can help pick up changes early.
How are goitres investigated?
Assessment usually starts with a detailed history and examination of your neck.
Blood tests may be arranged to check your thyroid hormone levels. This helps work out whether the lump is linked to a thyroid condition.
An ultrasound scan is often used to look at the thyroid gland in more detail and identify nodules (small growths in the thyroid) and check for other changes.
Once the cause of your neck lump or goitre is identified, a personalised treatment plan can be created.
Book an appointment at ENT Sheffield
If you’ve noticed a lump in your neck and you’re not sure what it might be, you don’t have to sit with the worry.
At ENT Sheffield, Mr Wale Olarinde provides a careful, thorough assessment of neck lumps, including suspected goitres, with time taken to explain findings clearly and answer your questions.
Getting checked can offer reassurance or help you access treatment early if you need it.
To book an appointment with Mr Olarinde at ENT Sheffield, please get in touch with our team.