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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
Heterogenous Thyroid
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Mark Lupo, MD. Topics covered include Goiter, Graves Disease, Hyperthyroid, Parathyroid/Calcium Problems, Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Nodules/Cysts, Thyroiditis, Thyroid & Pregnancy, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroid Tests, and Thyroid Surgery.
Heterogenous Thyroid
by kitcurious, May 21, 2007 12:00AM
Hi. Please forgive how basic my questions are, I am new to this. I had a thyroid ultrsound last week. After the technician finished she went out and returned with a doctor who took additional images, said my thyroid was "very heterogeneous" and that I had a few small nodules. Does this mean I have Hashi's? I haven't heard the final report yet and was curious. In between my TSH test (slightly elevated) and my ultrasound the Hashi's anitbody test came back and I basically didn't have any ( a fraction was the result).
Is it common to have this ultrasound result and not have antibodies? Could something else be affecting the tissue and not Hashi's?
Thank you very much, this is my last question for at least six months.
Is it common to have this ultrasound result and not have antibodies? Could something else be affecting the tissue and not Hashi's?
Thank you very much, this is my last question for at least six months.
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., May 22, 2007 12:00AM
, May 22, 2007 12:00AM
Heterogeneity is typical of thyroiditis and Hashimotos (chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis) is the most common type. About 10-15% of patients with Hashimoto's have 'normal' antibodies. So, with a slightly high TSH and a heterogeneous gland on US, this most likely is Hashi.
The other possibility is a recovery from a subacute (painful) or silent (painless) thyroiditis. In these situations, rechecking TSH in 5-6 weeks should determine if the thyroid medication is needed -- ie, in transient thyroiditis, the TSH should normalize (0.3-3.0) and in Hashi, it may typically remain elevated.
The other possibility is a recovery from a subacute (painful) or silent (painless) thyroiditis. In these situations, rechecking TSH in 5-6 weeks should determine if the thyroid medication is needed -- ie, in transient thyroiditis, the TSH should normalize (0.3-3.0) and in Hashi, it may typically remain elevated.
Member Comments (1)
by usafwsue, Jun 27, 2008 09:46PM
A related discussion, Shrunken Heterogeneous was started.
by Prieva, Aug 10, 2009 05:54PM
A related discussion, normal thyroid function tests was started.
