Help Understanding Ultra sound Report On Thyroid

Could you help me understand my us report,I had this done 1/27.Findings the right lobe of the thyroid is 4.5 cm x 1.9cm x 1.6cm.The left lobe of the thyroid is 4.3cm x 1.7cm x 1,3 There are four nodules in the right thyroid The largest is 1.6 cm a mixed echotexture.Other nodules nodules are 7mm,7mm,and 11mm.The nodules are hypoechoic.There are 4 nodules on the left A hyperechoic nodule probaly calcified is present in the inferior left thyroid gland. 3mm Hypoechoic nodules in the left lobe measures 8 mm,7mm,and 7mm. Both thyroid lobes are mildly heterogeneous.   Impression:Mutiple bilateral thyroid nodules most consistent with muti-nodular goiter.What should be my next step?  Glowi

[blsdnsvd]

I'm curious to know, what your Endocrinologist has recommend. In most cases, where there is a Goiter without nodules, the patient may be told to keep watch on the goiter to see if it grows and in that case, recommendation to have surgery is suggested. In the case of a multi-nodule Goiter, depending on the "cells" inside of the nodules, watch and wait approach may be recommended. In my case, I had a multi-nodular Goiter with nodules on both side and because the cells within the nodule's were abnormal (but benign), i was recommended to have Total Removal of the thyroid to rule out Cancer. Your next step should be: a Fine Needle Biopsy of the largest nodule to determine the type of cells within the nodule and then the surgeon will suggest whatever fits your situation. Hope this helped. Be Blessed.

[McMillanNelson]

Hi  glowi,  I am no expert, but I can probably help you understand some of this, I also have nodules in both lobes of the thyroid. I have “Toxic Multi Nodular Goiter”

  “The largest is 1.6 cm a mixed echotexture”  “mixed echotexture” means, the nodules are not exactly alike, the make up of the nodules differ.  Some may be more cystic than solid for example.

An ultrasound works by bouncing sound waves off the organ, and measures the sound waves. “hypoechoic”  means less sound was reflected back.  Hypoechioic means the nodule is probably cystic, meaning more liquid filled than solid so the sound waves don’t bounce back as fast as if the nodule was solid.  This is probably a good thing.


“A hyperechoic nodule probably calcified is present in the inferior..” HyPerechoic means the sound waves bounce off the nodule faster indicating the nodule is more solid. I am sure the doctor will want to look into that one.

The Radiologist summary, or Impression does not state any concern. What does your Endo say?  There is no mention of vascularity  there meaning blood is not feeding the nodule like you might see if it was cancerous. (again I am no expert) so that is another good sign that these nodules are benign. It is not unusual that some nodules could be missed on an ultrasound also. Often times they tell you to return again in 6 months to do another one to compare and see if any of the nodules have grown or gotten smaller etc.

Since you have some calcification, the doctor might likely want to do an “FNA” Fine Needle Biopsy to see what is up with your larger  nodules and if you need to do something about them or not.

What led you to get the ultrasound?

What are your symptoms and do you have blood lab results also that you can post?

Hope that helps some,

McMillan

[MANmom]

Ditto to both posts, have an FNA biopsy.  The calcification could be trouble, but if there was no vascularity, then there is less concern.  Keep trying to get answers...