Method Of Exam

• 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 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