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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
Normal Thyroid Size?
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.
Normal Thyroid Size?
by Ashmyr, Sep 06, 2005 12:00AM
Does anyone know what is considered normal dimensions of a thyroid? I have Hashimoto's and went to the doctor with complaints of choking and neck tenderness/swelling. My ultrasound shows that the right lobe is 4.8 x 1.8 x 1.3 and the left lobe is 4.7 x 1.5 x 1.8. The isthmal depth is 4mm. I've been searching the web trying to determine if these measurements fall into a normal range, but can't find any info. Ultrasound did show a 4mm low attenuation in the right lower lobe, possibly a cyst, and a 13x5mm mass at the deep margin of the thyroid that appears to be extraneous to the thyroid. The report says it could be a paratyhroid or a lymph node although hilar fatty replacement not seen. I am guessing that my thyroid dimensions are larger than normal, but I just want some numbers to compare to! Test was ordered by family doctor...they are sending me to an ear/nose/throat next week which I thought was interesting....seems like they would send me to an endo doctor. Free T4 serum was 1.36 and TSH was .91.
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Sep 06, 2005 12:00AM
, Sep 06, 2005 12:00AM
The thyroid dimensions are at the upper limits of "normal" - I do 6-8 ultrasounds a day in the office and usually the measurements of normal thyroids are 4-4.8 x 1.0-1.8 x 0.8-1.6cm which is consistent with published dimensions.
The 4mm right lower pole probable cyst is likely innocent but a repeat ultrasound in about 12 months is recommended. The 13x5mm mass - hard to say based on the description - could be muscle, parathyroid, blood vessel or lymph node. The fatty hilar replacement is typically seen in lymph nodes. To figure this out may be the reason for the ENT referral -- I would not be surprised if that prompts a CT or MRI of the neck to get more information.
The thyroid function tests are normal.
The 4mm right lower pole probable cyst is likely innocent but a repeat ultrasound in about 12 months is recommended. The 13x5mm mass - hard to say based on the description - could be muscle, parathyroid, blood vessel or lymph node. The fatty hilar replacement is typically seen in lymph nodes. To figure this out may be the reason for the ENT referral -- I would not be surprised if that prompts a CT or MRI of the neck to get more information.
The thyroid function tests are normal.
Member Comments (1)
by katsul, Apr 02, 2008 03:27AM
A related discussion, is this weird? was started.
by fibrofoggy, Apr 29, 2008 07:29PM
A related discussion, thyroid size vs. blood tests was started.
by Bala231, Jul 02, 2008 04:37PM
A related discussion, Atrophic hashimoto's thyroiditis was started.
by bc1103, Jul 10, 2008 08:45PM
A related discussion, thyroid size was started.
