I noticed a slight swelling on one side of my lower throat, where I think the thyroid is....and I've had gravelly voice for quite a while - and coughing too for no good reason....are these symptoms of thyroid troubles specifically?

I'm off to the doctor's in about an hour but if he says it's nothing I want to hear YOUR advice. I may be going to a new doctor at the end of the month and I want to be more informed if I decide to go to him - I feel so helpless when the doc I have now blows me off....I don't know what to say back!!!!