Confused about Ultrasound result?

[ld43]

I had an ultrasound on my thyroid and the Dr. office called and said there was a "possible" nodule.
From what I've read I thought an ultrasound would definitely know if it was a nodule or not.
Now I'm scheduled for a radioactive iodine uptake and scan in a couple of weeks.

Has anybody else had a "possible" nodule?

Thanks.

[ChitChatNine]

If you don't have insurance I would consider redoing the ultrasound and if operator error the first time demand a refund!

cheryl

[898]

If nodule is "cold " it will show no uptake, if nodule is "hot " it will show increased uptake , if nodule is composed of normal but owergrown thyroid tissue , the scan will not show up anything.
As a side note:  only solid lumps or large cysts are palpable; the nodules were used do be detected by inspecting the neck while patient swallows. The results were biased upon the doctor's experience.The ultrasound so far is the best tool to detect nodules, however, mistakes are always possible.

[ld43]

Thanks.
I was wondering how it could be "possible".
So will the RIU test show a definite all clear if it was an error?
I don't feel any lump.

[898]

"Possible module" is the result of operator's error , out of tune machine, or unexperienced doctor. if nodule is present (larger then 2mm) the ultrasound should pick it up. Some glands have areas of different echostucture ( common if inflammation takes place), but it shows on the ultrasound as darker or lighter area, without defined shape (one lobe is darker then other, for example)