Thyroid Lumps
Discovering a lump in the front of your neck can be alarming. Many people worry about cancer but the good news is that most thyroid lumps (nodules) are benign and do not require surgery.
That said, every thyroid lump should be assessed properly.
At Hampshire ENT Clinics, The Harbour Suite at Queen Alexandra Hospital, New Hall Hospital, and Medicana Winchester, we provide rapid, consultant-led assessment of thyroid lumps for patients across Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester and Salisbury, using modern imaging and biopsy techniques to give clear answers quickly.
🦋 What Is the Thyroid Gland?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple.
It produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, heart rate and temperature.
A thyroid lump, also called a thyroid nodule, is a swelling within the gland. Nodules may be:
Solid
Cystic (fluid-filled)
Single or multiple
They are very common, especially in women and with increasing age.
📌 Common Symptoms of a Thyroid Lump
Many thyroid lumps cause no symptoms and are found incidentally.
Others may cause:
A visible or palpable lump in the neck
A sensation of pressure
Difficulty swallowing
Hoarseness
A feeling of fullness in the throat
Pain is uncommon and does not reliably indicate seriousness.
🔍 Are Thyroid Lumps Cancerous?
Around 90–95% of thyroid nodules are benign.
Features that may increase concern include:
A rapidly growing lump
Hoarseness
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
A hard or fixed lump
Associated neck lymph nodes
A history of head or neck radiation
However, only proper investigation can determine risk — reassurance should never be based on feel alone.
🩺 How Thyroid Lumps Are Investigated
Assessment at Hampshire ENT Clinics, The Harbour Suite or Medicana Winchester typically includes:
1. Ultrasound Scan
The most important test
Identifies size, structure and risk features
Guides further investigation
2. Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy
A quick, outpatient procedure
Uses a thin needle to sample cells
Often ultrasound-guided
Helps determine if surgery is needed
3. Blood Tests
Assess thyroid hormone function
Most nodules occur with normal blood results
4. CT or MRI (Selected Cases)
Used if the lump extends deeper into the chest or affects nearby structures
This structured approach allows accurate diagnosis and avoids unnecessary surgery.
🛠️ Do Thyroid Lumps Always Need Surgery?
No.
Surgery may be recommended if:
Cancer is suspected or confirmed
The lump is causing pressure or swallowing problems
The nodule is growing significantly
There is uncertainty after biopsy
When surgery is needed, it is carefully planned to minimise risk and maximise outcomes.
🌟 Why Choose Hampshire ENT Clinics
Patients choose our service because we offer:
Consultant-led thyroid assessment
Rapid access ultrasound and biopsy
Close links with thyroid cancer multidisciplinary teams
Modern facilities
Convenient rapid access
Care for patients across Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester and Salisbury
Our aim is to provide clear answers, reassurance where appropriate, and timely treatment when needed.
👉 If you’ve noticed a lump at the front of your neck, contact Hampshire ENT Clinics or Medicana Winchester for expert thyroid assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Thyroid Lumps (Thyroid Nodules)
What is a thyroid lump?
A thyroid lump, also known as a thyroid nodule, is a swelling within the thyroid gland at the front of the neck. Nodules may be solid or fluid-filled and can occur as a single lump or as part of a multinodular thyroid.
Are thyroid lumps common?
Yes. Thyroid nodules are very common, particularly in women and with increasing age. Many are discovered incidentally during examinations or imaging for other reasons.
Are most thyroid lumps cancerous?
No. Around 90–95% of thyroid nodules are benign. However, every thyroid lump should be properly assessed to identify the small proportion that require treatment.
What symptoms can a thyroid lump cause?
Many thyroid lumps cause no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
A visible or palpable lump in the front of the neck
Pressure or fullness in the throat
Difficulty swallowing
Hoarseness
Rarely, breathing difficulty
Pain is uncommon and does not reliably indicate whether a lump is serious.
What features are more concerning?
Features that warrant careful assessment include:
Rapid growth of the lump
Hoarseness or voice change
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
A hard or fixed lump
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
Previous head or neck radiation
These do not automatically mean cancer, but they should be investigated promptly.
How are thyroid lumps investigated?
Assessment typically includes:
Ultrasound scanning, which is the most important test
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, often guided by ultrasound
Blood tests to assess thyroid hormone function
CT or MRI scanning in selected cases
This structured approach allows accurate diagnosis and avoids unnecessary surgery.
What is a fine needle aspiration (FNA)?
FNA is a quick outpatient procedure using a very thin needle to sample cells from the lump. It is usually well tolerated and provides valuable information about whether surgery is needed.
Do normal thyroid blood tests rule out cancer?
No. Most thyroid nodules, including cancers, occur in people with normal thyroid hormone levels. Blood tests assess function, not cancer risk.
Do all thyroid lumps need surgery?
No. Many thyroid nodules can be safely monitored. Surgery is usually recommended only if:
Cancer is suspected or confirmed
The lump is causing pressure, swallowing, or breathing problems
The nodule is enlarging
Biopsy results are indeterminate
Is thyroid surgery safe?
When performed by experienced surgeons, thyroid surgery is generally safe. Careful assessment ensures that surgery is only recommended when the benefits outweigh the risks.
How quickly should a thyroid lump be assessed?
Any new or persistent thyroid lump should be assessed promptly. Early investigation provides reassurance in most cases and ensures timely treatment when required.
Where can I be assessed for a thyroid lump?
Rapid, consultant-led assessment is available at Hampshire ENT Clinics, The Harbour Suite at Queen Alexandra Hospital, New Hall Hospital, and Medicana Winchester, caring for patients from Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester, Salisbury, and across Hampshire.
When should I seek urgent advice?
You should seek prompt ENT assessment if a thyroid lump is rapidly growing, associated with hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or accompanied by neck lymph node swelling.