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Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will conduct a physical examination, feeling the neck area for any swelling, lumps, or enlargement of the thyroid gland
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Blood Tests: Blood tests are performed to measure levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) as well as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
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Ultrasound Imaging: Ultrasound imaging of the thyroid gland provides detailed pictures of its size, shape, and any abnormalities
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Thyroid Scan: A thyroid scan involves the administration of a small amount of radioactive iodine or technetium, which is taken up by the thyroid gland
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Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB): If nodules are detected within the thyroid gland, a fine-needle aspiration biopsy may be performed to collect a sample of cells for examination under a microscope
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Physical Examination of Related Symptoms: Since goiters can sometimes cause symptoms beyond the thyroid gland, such as eye changes in Graves' disease or skin changes in autoimmune thyroiditis, a comprehensive physical examination may include assessment of these
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Thyroid Function Tests: Additional thyroid function tests, such as thyroid antibody tests, may be performed to evaluate for autoimmune thyroid disorders
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