How to Check Your Neck for Thyroid Cancer Jeffrey Mechanick, MD, clinical professor of medicine, endocrinology, diabetes and bone disease at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York and president of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, recommends using these steps to perform a thyroid neck check self-exam: •Hold a mirror in your hand, focusing on the lower front area of your neck, above the collarbones, and below the voice box (larynx). Your thyroid gland is located in this area. •Tip your head back, take a drink of water and swallow. •As you swallow, check your neck for any bulges or protrusions in this area when you swallow. Reminder: Don’t confuse the Adam’s apple with the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located further down, closer to the collarbone. •If you see any bulges in this area, consult your healthcare provider. You may have an enlarged thyroid gland or a thyroid nodule that should be evaluated for cancer and other thyroid conditions. Dr. Sosa also advises having your neck checked during your annual physical or other routine medical visits, even if you don’t notice any lumps.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Jul 2013 17:21:27 +0000
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