Help Doctor!

[Pedromeda]

Recently, I had thyroid US. Here are the results:
FINDINGS:  The right lobe measures 4.4 x 1.7 x 2.2cm.  The right lobe is diffusely heterogeneous with numerous cysts seen throughout it.  The cysts mesure 1-3mm.  Isthmus appears normal measuring 2.6mm.  The left lobe measures 1.55 x 4.45 x 1.45cm.  There is a hypoechoic nodule superiorly measuring 11 x 6 x 5 mm.  There is a small H:  Overall heterogeneity of the thyroid with numerous cysts throughout the right lobe, small non-specific nodules of th left lobe and a solid hypoechoic nodule of the left lobe as described above.

Are "NUMEROUS cysts" in a  lobe common, and should I have thyroid blood testing? I'm having FNA of the largest nodule on 10/22/09, but will they also biopsy the gland tissue that isn't a nodule or cyst?

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

you likely have Hashimoto's -- would do TSH and Tg & TPO-antibodies to confirm.

The left nodule should be FNA'd but the other "1-3mm cysts" are called pseudonodules and are typical of hashimoto's.  

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

You can have Hashimoto's (immune system attack on thyroid) with normal thyroid function and size.  It is not due to nuclear/radiation exposure.

[Pedromeda]

Dr. Lupo, thank you for your response. I will contact my doctor about scheduling those labs, and will post the outcome of my left nodule FNA.

QUESTION:  You say I likely have Hashimoto's, but can one have Hashimoto's without thyroid enlargement or a goiter?

[Kerri5649]

I have nodules on my thyroid.  I have taken synthroid for 20 yrs to keep them from growing.  Drs suspect they may be caused because I grew up near a nuclear energy plant in Hanford WA.  Is this similar to Hashimotos disease you talked about