1. The shape of the enlarged thyroid gland. The shape of an enlarged thyroid gland is generally divided into two categories, one is butterfly-shaped, mostly seen in patients with endemic goiter, thyroiditis and some hyperthyroidism; the other is a round lump in a part of the thyroid gland, when such differences occur, professional diagnosis is needed for early confirmation. 2. The size of the lump. If the lump is diffusely enlarged or multi-nodular, it is mostly endemic goiter; generally, the diameter of a single nodule of benign tumor or cyst is around 2 cm; if the diameter exceeds 2 cm, thyroid cancer should be suspected. 3. 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 consistent, it is mostly endemic goiter; if the surface is not very smooth, it is more likely to be caused by thyroiditis; if it shows a single nodule enlargement, but the surface is smooth and uniform, it may be adenoma; if a single nodule enlargement is not smooth and has a solid feeling, it should be suspected to be cancer. 4. The growth rate of the lump. Local enlargement of thyroid gland can take several years or even decades, while benign tumors and cysts can last from months to years; in thyroid cancer, the growth of lumps is obvious and fast, and can increase significantly within ten days or one or two months. 5. 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.