Enlarged thyroid, or just swollen lymph nodes in the neck? how do you tell the difference?

Depends on location: The thyroid gland resides at the base of the neck on both sides of the trachea (cartilage-encased breathing tube). The neck lymph nodes that can swell up are typically found under the angle of the jaw, directly under the chin, and along the mid neck (along the carotid arteries). A physical exam or ultrasound exam by your doctor can help you distinguish these possibilities.

See a doctor: If a competent thyroid doctor cannot tell by feel he/she can always do or order an ultrasound. See the american thyroid association website to find a thyroid doctor near you.

Examination: Your doctor can tell by examining you. It's a clinical diagnosis.