Author: A. Chandrasekhar, MD

Consultant: S. Braithwaite, MD

Inspect the neck for fullness over the thyroid region.
While standing behind the patient, affix the trachea on one side, gently tilt the head and roll the thyroid gland over the tracheal rings.
Repeat this procedure on the opposite side.
Ask the patient to swallow water, extend the neck gently and observe the mobility of the thyroid gland while swallowing.
Palpate the thyroid gland while swallowing, separately examining each lateral lobe and the isthmus.
Some prefer to examine the thyroid from the front.
Evaluate the thyroid gland for consistency, tenderness, size and approximate weight.

Normal:

The Thyroid gland is palpable and rises along with thyroid and cricoid cartilage during swallowing, in persons with a slender neck.
It is soft and approximately weighs no more than 20 grams.
It is often not palpable with aging.