Blood tests are definitive for diagnosing hyperthyroidism. There are several possible causes of hyperthyroidism, but Graves accounts for by far the largest percentage of cases. To rule out other causes, an uptake and scan test is frequently done. But unless the cause is an infection — and there would be signs of infection, as well as blood tests results which would indicate infection — the treatment options remain the same.
Goiter simply means an enlarged thyroid. That can happen with either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, so looking for a goiter (which can typically be seen effortlessly) does not help in the diagnosis of Graves.
Bobbi — NGDF Online Facilitator
