Thyroid nodules are lumps that form near the thyroid gland, which is located at the bottom of your neck. Most thyroid nodules are found by your doctor during a physical examination and are harmless. Because some nodules can be cancerous, it is important to follow through with any testing your doctor may prescribe. Knowing the symptoms of thyroid nodules can assist in the early detection of thyroid disease. Thyroid nodules can sometimes be felt when you palpitate your neck or seen as bumps in the lower neck. Enlarged lymph nodes around the thyroid nodule can cause your neck to look swollen. A shirt, necklace or any other neckwear that fits more tightly than usually, could be a sign that a nodule is present. The size of the nodule may cause it to press against your esophagus and windpipe. You may have problems swallowing if the nodule is pressing against the esophagus, or breathing issues if the nodule is pushing against your windpipe. Usually if your breathing is constrained it will feel like you are trying to breathe through a straw. Thyroid nodules that lay against a voice box nerve can cause hoarseness that will not disappear. The nodule can also irritate the throat which can cause an incessant cough that is not caused by a cold. In any of these symptoms, there may be some pain caused by the nodule. The pain can be in the neck, jaw and will sometimes spread up to the ear. A thyroid nodule can also raise your body's level of a thyroidal hormone called thyroxine. The raising of thyroxine can cause a condition called hyperthyroidism, which is also called an over-active thyroid. Hyperthyroidism causes a rapid heartbeat, sudden weight loss, irritability, sleeplessness and muscle weakness. If you are female, you may find that your periods have become erratic. Make an appointment with your doctor if you suffer from any of these symptoms. Your doctor will test the hormone levels in your blood and if needed they will order ultrasounds to better examine the thyroid. Remember, early detection is the key to good health.