Aa
Ill-defined Nodules
I have been dealing with a goiter for almost a year. I had an ultrasound in May last year where there were no discrete masses identified—just lots of inflammation. The diagnosis at that time was Hashimotos, but I am negative for both antibodies associated with Hashis.
Then, because I had been having some pain in my neck and ear, I had a CT scan which did indicate at least two nodules. But, due to a typo in the report, I couldn't get the Endo to look any further (she thought the measurement was lobe size and not nodule size). Those nodules, later confirmed as such by my primary doctor, were both over 2 cm.
After all of this, my primary doctor ordered a follow-up ultrasound last week on my thyroid and here is the report:
Right lobe: Heterogeneous echogenicity. 5.6 cm in length. Hypoechoic nodule in lower one half of this lobe. The margins of this area are somewhat indistinct but is measured up to 3.8 cm. This area previously reported as measuring 2.4 cm. A second smaller poorly defined mildly heterogeneous nodule of 14 mm demonstrated in the lower right lobe adjacent to isthmus. This unchanged.
Left lobe: Heterogeneity of echogenicity. This lobe measured at 5.6 cm in length. Hypoechoic heterogeneity in the lower one half of this lobe is measured up to as much is 3.5 cm. This potentially an ill-defined nodule. This area previously measured at 2.1 cm. Unchanged poorly defined hypoechoic focus in the upper half of this lobe measuring 16 mm.
Isthmus: 8 mm in thickness.
Impression:
Diffuse heterogeneity bilaterally. There are hypoechoic nodules bilaterally. It is difficult to determine the actual margins of these lesions, potentially resulting in the discrepancy in size when compared to the prior exam. In general the gland appears very much as it did at the time of the prior study.
I have been told by my doctor that they'd just like to watch it, and have another ultrasound scheduled for April to follow up again. Should I request to be referred for a biopsy? It seems that if the Endo would have read the ultrasound report correctly, they may have sent me for a biopsy after that scan. I'm pretty confused, but I do know there is something there because I can see it moving when I swallow and still have some intermittent pain in my neck.
Then, because I had been having some pain in my neck and ear, I had a CT scan which did indicate at least two nodules. But, due to a typo in the report, I couldn't get the Endo to look any further (she thought the measurement was lobe size and not nodule size). Those nodules, later confirmed as such by my primary doctor, were both over 2 cm.
After all of this, my primary doctor ordered a follow-up ultrasound last week on my thyroid and here is the report:
Right lobe: Heterogeneous echogenicity. 5.6 cm in length. Hypoechoic nodule in lower one half of this lobe. The margins of this area are somewhat indistinct but is measured up to 3.8 cm. This area previously reported as measuring 2.4 cm. A second smaller poorly defined mildly heterogeneous nodule of 14 mm demonstrated in the lower right lobe adjacent to isthmus. This unchanged.
Left lobe: Heterogeneity of echogenicity. This lobe measured at 5.6 cm in length. Hypoechoic heterogeneity in the lower one half of this lobe is measured up to as much is 3.5 cm. This potentially an ill-defined nodule. This area previously measured at 2.1 cm. Unchanged poorly defined hypoechoic focus in the upper half of this lobe measuring 16 mm.
Isthmus: 8 mm in thickness.
Impression:
Diffuse heterogeneity bilaterally. There are hypoechoic nodules bilaterally. It is difficult to determine the actual margins of these lesions, potentially resulting in the discrepancy in size when compared to the prior exam. In general the gland appears very much as it did at the time of the prior study.
I have been told by my doctor that they'd just like to watch it, and have another ultrasound scheduled for April to follow up again. Should I request to be referred for a biopsy? It seems that if the Endo would have read the ultrasound report correctly, they may have sent me for a biopsy after that scan. I'm pretty confused, but I do know there is something there because I can see it moving when I swallow and still have some intermittent pain in my neck.
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