How to prepare for a video visit about Thyroid Nodules - Triage

Audience: pediatric

Thyroid nodules are lumps that can form in the thyroid gland, which is in the neck. In children, these nodules often need careful checking to decide if they are harmless or if more tests are needed. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help start this process. During the visit, your doctor will ask about your child's symptoms and health history. They may also look at the neck area through the camera. This guide helps families prepare for such a video visit. It explains what information to have ready, what signs to watch for that need urgent care, and what telemedicine can and cannot do for thyroid nodules. Remember, this information is for education and triage only and does not replace a full medical exam in person if needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden difficulty breathing or swallowing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Rapidly growing neck lump — contact your healthcare provider promptly.
• Severe neck pain or high fever with swelling — get urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom discussion and history taking.
• Visual inspection of the neck area via video.
• Advice on whether further testing or in-person care is needed.
• Answering general questions about thyroid nodules and next steps.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination requiring touch or palpation.
• Performing ultrasound or imaging tests.
• Conducting biopsy or other tissue sampling.
• Providing emergency treatment for severe symptoms.

What are Thyroid Nodules?

Thyroid nodules are small lumps that develop in the thyroid gland, located at the front of the neck. Most nodules in children are not cancerous, but some may require further tests to be sure. Nodules may not cause symptoms, but sometimes they can cause swelling or changes in the voice.

What to Expect During Your Video Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, such as neck swelling, pain, or difficulty swallowing. They may ask about family history of thyroid problems or cancer. The provider might ask you to show the neck area on camera to look for visible lumps or swelling. Based on this, they will advise if further tests or an in-person visit is needed.

How to Prepare for the Video Visit

Before the visit, gather any previous medical records or test results related to thyroid health. Have a list of your child's symptoms, their duration, and any changes you have noticed. Prepare a quiet and well-lit space for the video call. Make sure your device’s camera and microphone work well.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Certain signs need urgent medical attention, including:

If any of these occur, seek emergency care immediately.

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do

Telemedicine can help start the evaluation by discussing symptoms and visually inspecting the neck. It can guide you on next steps and whether in-person tests like ultrasound or biopsy are needed. However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams, imaging, or tissue sampling. These require an in-person visit.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your child's symptoms, when they started, and any changes.
• Gather previous medical records or test results related to thyroid health.
• Set up a quiet, well-lit space for the video call.
• Test your device’s camera and microphone before the visit.
• Have a family member or caregiver available to assist if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice about next steps.
• Schedule any recommended in-person tests like ultrasound or biopsy.
• Monitor your child’s symptoms and watch for red flag signs.
• Keep a record of any changes to share in follow-up visits.
• Contact your healthcare provider if new or worsening symptoms appear.

FAQs

What causes thyroid nodules in children?

Thyroid nodules can be caused by growths of normal thyroid tissue, cysts, or sometimes inflammation. In rare cases, they may be due to thyroid cancer. Many nodules have no clear cause.

Are thyroid nodules usually cancerous in children?

Most thyroid nodules in children are not cancerous, but the risk of cancer is higher in children than adults. That’s why careful evaluation is important.

Will my child need surgery if a nodule is found?

Not always. Many nodules are benign and only need monitoring. Surgery may be recommended if tests suggest cancer or if the nodule causes symptoms.

Can I use telemedicine for all thyroid nodule concerns?

Telemedicine is good for initial evaluation and advice. However, some tests and treatments require in-person visits.

What tests might my child need after the video visit?

Your child may need an ultrasound to look at the nodule, blood tests to check thyroid function, or a biopsy to sample the nodule tissue.

Sources

1. Thyroid Nodules — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Thyroid Nodules in Children and Adolescents — National Library of Medicine.
3. Thyroid Nodules and Cancer — Mayo Clinic.
4. Thyroid Nodules — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment by a qualified healthcare provider. If your child has urgent or severe symptoms, seek immediate medical care.