There are three main types of thyroid swellings: 1. Nodular goiter, which is mainly a functional and morphological change and generally has little chance of malignancy. 2. Thyroid adenoma is a benign tumor with a high rate of malignancy and requires surgical consultation and follow-up for surgical removal if necessary. 3. Thyroid cancer requires comprehensive examination and evaluation by surgeons and timely surgical treatment. Thyroid nodules are divided into two categories: benign and malignant: benign nodules account for the majority of cases and less than 1% of cases are malignant. Early recognition of the nature of thyroid nodules, especially the distinction between benign and malignant lesions, is important for the choice of treatment options and prognosis. Those with high suspicion of malignant disease should have the nodules surgically removed as soon as possible. Although multiple nodules or single adenomas are benign lesions, some patients may develop secondary hyperfunction or cancer, so early surgery is also recommended. Self-examination of thyroid nodules: It helps to detect thyroid disease early and obtain early treatment. 1. Pay attention to the shape of the enlarged thyroid gland. The shape of goiter is generally divided into two categories, one is butterfly-shaped, mostly seen in endemic goiter, thyroiditis and some patients with hyperthyroidism; the other is a round lump in a part of the thyroid gland, mostly seen in thyroid cysts, thyroid adenomas and also thyroid cancer. 2. Pay attention to the size of the lump. If the lump is diffusely enlarged or multiple nodular enlargement, it is usually endemic goiter; generally, the diameter of a single nodule of benign tumor or cyst is about 2 cm; if the diameter exceeds 2 cm, thyroid cancer should be suspected. 3. Pay attention to the smoothness and softness of the lump. Touch the surface of the lump carefully with the thumb and index finger. If the surface is smooth and uniform, it is mostly endemic goiter; if the surface is not very smooth, it is more likely to be caused by thyroiditis; if the surface is smooth and uniform with a single nodule enlargement, it may be adenoma; if the single nodule enlargement is not smooth and has a solid feeling, it should be suspected to be cancer. 4. Pay attention to the growth rate of the lump. Local enlargement of the thyroid gland is slow and can last for several years or even decades; benign tumors and cysts can last for several months to several years; thyroid cancer lumps grow significantly and faster, and can increase significantly within 10 days or one or two months. 5. Pay attention to whether lymph nodes can be palpated around the lump. If hard lymph nodes can be touched around the thyroid gland, it should be highly suspected that the thyroid gland is accompanied by local lymph node metastasis. If the nature of the nodule is unclear, promptly consult a surgeon. For thyroid nodules with unknown diagnosis, the following tests can be performed: 1. Thyroid hormone examination: to understand the function of the thyroid gland. 2. 2. Ultrasonography of the thyroid gland: to understand the shape, distribution, single or multiple thyroid nodules; to differentiate between solid, cystic or cystic nodules. 3.Thyroid nuclear scan: To understand the iodine uptake ability of thyroid nodules and to distinguish benign, malignant, and high-functioning adenoma. 4.Thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy: to obtain pathological specimens of thyroid nodules and distinguish benign and malignant.