Red flags & when to go in person for Thyroid Nodules - Triage

Audience: pediatric

Thyroid nodules are lumps that can form in the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck. In children, most thyroid nodules are not cancerous, but they still need careful evaluation. Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and decide if an in-person visit is needed. This guide explains warning signs that require urgent medical attention and when to see a healthcare provider in person. It also describes what telemedicine can and cannot do for thyroid nodules in children. Early detection of serious problems is important, so if your child has symptoms like rapid growth of a neck lump, trouble breathing or swallowing, or changes in voice, seek in-person care promptly. This information is educational and not a diagnosis. Always follow up with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Rapidly growing neck lump — seek emergency care immediately.
• Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing — go to emergency services right away.
• Trouble swallowing or persistent hoarseness lasting more than two weeks — arrange urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom review and medical history taking.
• Providing guidance on monitoring thyroid nodules.
• Determining urgency of in-person evaluation.
• Scheduling follow-up appointments and tests.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination of the thyroid gland and neck.
• Performing ultrasound imaging or biopsy.
• Emergency interventions for airway or swallowing difficulties.

What Are Thyroid Nodules?

Thyroid nodules are lumps that develop in the thyroid gland, a small organ in the neck that controls metabolism. In children, these nodules are often harmless but should be checked by a doctor to rule out problems.

Common Signs to Watch For

Many thyroid nodules cause no symptoms. Sometimes, you may notice a lump in the neck or swelling. Other symptoms can include hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or neck pain. These signs should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

If your child has any of the following, go to a healthcare facility right away:

These could be signs of serious conditions requiring urgent evaluation.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows you to consult a healthcare provider remotely. It can help:

However, physical exams and imaging tests require in-person visits.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Thyroid Nodules

Telemedicine cannot:

If serious symptoms are present, an in-person visit is necessary.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit:

This helps make the visit effective.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Observe and note any neck lumps or swelling.
• Record any symptoms such as voice changes or swallowing problems.
• List all current medications and allergies.
• Prepare questions or concerns for the healthcare provider.
• Ensure a stable internet connection and a quiet space for the telemedicine visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on monitoring symptoms.
• Schedule any recommended in-person tests or ultrasounds.
• Seek immediate care if red flag symptoms develop.
• Keep a symptom diary to report changes during follow-up visits.
• Maintain communication with your healthcare provider for updates.

FAQs

Are thyroid nodules common in children?

Thyroid nodules are less common in children than adults but can still occur. Most nodules in children are benign (non-cancerous), but evaluation is important to rule out serious conditions.

Can a telemedicine visit diagnose a thyroid nodule?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and decide if further in-person evaluation is needed, but it cannot diagnose thyroid nodules because physical exams and imaging tests are required.

What tests might my child need if a thyroid nodule is suspected?

If a nodule is suspected, your healthcare provider may recommend an ultrasound to look at the nodule's size and characteristics. Sometimes, a biopsy may be needed to check for cancer cells.

When should I be worried about a thyroid nodule in my child?

Seek immediate medical care if the nodule grows quickly, causes trouble breathing or swallowing, or if your child has persistent hoarseness. These signs need urgent evaluation.

Can thyroid nodules cause symptoms?

Many thyroid nodules do not cause symptoms. Some may cause a visible lump, neck discomfort, or changes in voice or swallowing if they press on nearby structures.

Sources

1. Thyroid Nodules — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Thyroid Nodules in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Thyroid Nodules: Overview — Mayo Clinic.
4. Thyroid Nodules — National Cancer Institute.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has any concerning symptoms or red flags, seek prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional in person.