Home About Mr Smellie Patient Information Thyroid Nodule Clinic Hypercalcaemia & Hyperparathyroidism Costs 🇦🇷 Arabic · عربي Contact Book Appointment
Same-week appointments available · Friday clinic · Self-referral welcome
0800 098 1942
Thyroid Specialist · Cleveland Clinic London

Urgent Thyroid
Nodule Assessment
Clinic

Rapid access to specialist thyroid assessment, expert radiology and ultrasound-guided biopsy — all in one visit. Mr Smellie sees new thyroid patients every Friday at Cleveland Clinic London. No GP referral required.

Call 0800 098 1942 Book Online
Same week
Appointment available
Fridays
Regular clinic day
£380
New patient consultation
24+ yrs
Thyroid surgery experience

Rapid access to expert thyroid assessment

A thyroid nodule — a lump in the thyroid gland — is a common finding, often detected incidentally on neck imaging or felt as a swelling in the throat. Most are benign, but specialist assessment is essential to exclude the small proportion that require treatment.

Mr Smellie's urgent thyroid nodule clinic provides a fast, comprehensive pathway for patients who have been told they have a thyroid nodule and need specialist assessment without delay. In a single Friday appointment, patients receive an expert clinical consultation, access to specialist thyroid radiology, and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy if clinically indicated.

Patients can self-refer directly or be referred by their GP. If you are using private health insurance, it is wise to speak to your insurer before attending to confirm that your policy provides cover. Investigation and treatment costs can be provided in advance on request.

01
Expert Clinical Assessment
A thorough consultation with Mr Smellie — history, examination, review of any previous imaging, and a clear explanation of findings and next steps.
02
Specialist Thyroid Radiology
Rapid access to specialist thyroid ultrasound at Cleveland Clinic London — one of the most advanced imaging departments in London's private sector.
03
Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy
Where clinically indicated, fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is performed under ultrasound guidance for accurate cytological assessment of the nodule.
04
Clear Treatment Plan
Whether your nodule requires surgery, active surveillance or reassurance, Mr Smellie will explain your options clearly and agree a personalised plan with you.
Your Pathway

From referral to diagnosis

1
Call or refer
Self-refer by calling 0800 098 1942, or ask your GP to refer. Same-week Friday appointments available.
2
Consultation
Full assessment with Mr Smellie — history, examination and review of previous imaging or blood tests.
3
Ultrasound
Specialist thyroid ultrasound arranged rapidly at Cleveland Clinic London — often same day or within days.
4
Biopsy if needed
Ultrasound-guided FNA biopsy performed if clinically indicated. Results typically available within days.
5
Plan agreed
Surgery, active surveillance or discharge — a clear, personalised plan agreed with you at every step.
Surgical Philosophy

Expertise with a conservative approach

Not all thyroid nodules — and not all thyroid cancers — require the same treatment. Mr Smellie brings over 24 years of thyroid surgical experience and a specific interest in thyroid-preserving and parathyroid-preserving techniques.

Thyroid Preservation
Where it is oncologically safe to do so, Mr Smellie favours thyroid lobectomy over total thyroidectomy. Preserving part of the thyroid can avoid the need for lifelong thyroxine replacement and reduces the risk to the parathyroid glands — offering a meaningfully better quality of life after surgery.
Parathyroid Preservation
The four parathyroid glands sit close to the thyroid and regulate calcium. Their accidental removal or devascularisation during thyroid surgery can cause permanent hypoparathyroidism. Mr Smellie applies meticulous technique to identify and preserve parathyroid function in every thyroid operation.
Conservative Management of Small Cancers
For sub-centimetre papillary thyroid cancers — the most common form of thyroid cancer — active surveillance is increasingly recognised as a safe alternative to immediate surgery in carefully selected patients. Mr Smellie will discuss this option in detail where appropriate, in line with current international guidelines.
Fees

Transparent costs

£380
New patient consultation
Full clinical assessment with Mr Smellie
Review of all previous imaging and blood results
Clear explanation of findings and options
Personalised investigation and treatment plan
Written summary letter to GP
Investigation costs (ultrasound, biopsy, blood tests) are charged separately. Full costings can be provided in advance on request. If you are using health insurance, please contact your insurer before attending to confirm cover. GP referral required by some insurers.

Insurance & self-pay

Mr Smellie is BUPA Platinum recognised and accepts all major UK health insurers. Self-pay patients are equally welcome.

If you are insured, it is advisable to contact your insurer before your appointment to confirm that your policy covers thyroid nodule assessment and any recommended investigations. Some policies require a GP referral letter for cover to apply.

Need a cost estimate first?
Call us and we will provide a full breakdown of likely investigation and treatment costs before you book.
Call 0800 098 1942 →
Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

How quickly can I be seen?
Same-week appointments are available. Mr Smellie holds a dedicated thyroid nodule clinic on Fridays at Cleveland Clinic London. Call 0800 098 1942 to book.
Do I need a GP referral?
No — patients can self-refer directly by calling 0800 098 1942. GP referrals are also warmly welcome. If you are using health insurance, it is wise to check with your insurer first, as some policies require a GP referral letter for cover to apply.
Will I need a biopsy?
Not necessarily. Many thyroid nodules can be assessed with ultrasound alone. If a biopsy is clinically indicated based on the size, appearance and characteristics of the nodule, Mr Smellie can arrange an ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration. This is a quick, minimally uncomfortable outpatient procedure.
Does a thyroid nodule mean I have cancer?
The vast majority of thyroid nodules are entirely benign. Studies consistently show that more than 90% of thyroid nodules are non-cancerous. However, specialist assessment is important to identify the small proportion that require treatment and to provide reassurance for those that do not.
If I need surgery, will I lose my whole thyroid?
Not necessarily. Mr Smellie has a specific interest in thyroid-preserving surgery. Where it is oncologically safe to do so, he will favour a thyroid lobectomy — removal of only the affected half — over total thyroidectomy. This can preserve thyroid function and avoid the need for lifelong medication.
What if I have a very small thyroid cancer?
For sub-centimetre papillary thyroid cancers in carefully selected patients, active surveillance — careful monitoring without immediate surgery — is a recognised and safe approach supported by international guidelines. Mr Smellie will discuss this option in full where it is appropriate for you.
What are the costs?
The new patient consultation fee is £380. Investigation costs (ultrasound, biopsy, blood tests) are charged separately by Cleveland Clinic London. A full cost estimate can be provided before you book. Mr Smellie accepts all major insurers including BUPA Platinum, AXA PPP, Aviva, Vitality and Cigna.

Book your thyroid assessment

Same-week appointments available every Friday at Cleveland Clinic London.
Self-referral welcome. GP referrals also accepted.

0800 098 1942
Book Online Send an Enquiry