Western medicine practice Identification of thyroid masses in the neck. 1. Hyperthyroidism. The diagnosis is confirmed by blood T3T4 tests. 2. Thyroid adenoma. Hard texture, smooth surface, no pressure pain, mostly solitary, slow growth, normal labs. 3. Simple goiter. Soft texture, some with nodules, normal T3T4. 4.Thyroid cancer. Hard mass, poor mobility, rough surface, with enlarged peripheral lymph nodes, cold nodules on isotope scan. 5. Inflammatory thyroid disease. Nodules with fever, pain, rapid blood sedimentation, and decreased iodine uptake rate.