Dr. Marita Teng received her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine, after which she completed residency training at Mount Sinai, and advanced fellowship training in Head and Neck Cancer & Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Washington in Seattle.
According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, more than 30 million Americans suffer from some type of thyroid disorder, but majority of people are unaware and undiagnosed.
How can you preform a thyroid neck self-exam?
How to Perform a Thyroid Neck Self-Exam:
- Use a mirror and focus on the lower middle area of your neck, above the collarbones, and below the Adam's apple (larynx). Your thyroid gland is located in this area of your neck.
- While focusing on this area in the mirror, tip your head back.
- Take a drink of water and swallow.
- As you swallow, look at your neck. Check for any bulges or protrusions in this area when you swallow. Reminder: don't confuse the Adam's apple with the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located further down on your neck, closer to the collarbone. You may want to repeat this process several times.
- If you DO see any bulges or protrusions in this area, see your physician. You may have an enlarged thyroid gland or a thyroid nodule and should be checked to determine whether cancer is present or if treatment for thyroid disease is needed.
