How Nodules Are Measured

[wherria]

Dr. Lupo, a recent ultrasound reported two hypoechoic nodules, one right, one left. On the right, at the midpole measuring 0.8 x 0.4 x 0.3. On the left, at the midpole measuring 1.1 x 0.7 x 0.4. My question is what each measurement represents dimensionally. Height, width, depth? Or anterior/posterior, transverse, height? Is there a standard order? What does it mean that the measurements are at the midpole?
Thank you so much for your answer, and thank you also for what you do here on this website.  It is an extremely valuable service!

[wherria]

Great! Thanks again for your help!

[898_1]

You should go to thyroid "expert forum" on the right side bar (box :related forums" and post there.
Most nodules are close to ellipsoid shape (unless grossly calcified) so dimensions are taking along their axes. For example the nodule 1.1 by 0.7 by 0.4 should fit into the rectangular box of these sizes. I do not think that the measurements are placed in specific order (L, W, H or W, H, Depth) although they are parallel to the viewing plane (ftront and side views). For clinical evaluation the "elongation" of the nodule is important (hotdog or ball shape)

[wherria]

898,
Thank you so much for replying to my question and for the pictures.  I need a little more clarification, though. It's not so much how the measurements are taken mechanically that I don't understand as it is what each individual measurement refers to.  For example, the measurements of one of my nodules is 1.1 x 0.7 x 0.4 cm. does one of those numbers refer to height, one to length, one to width? Or is there some other method of representing the size/shape of a nodule?

Thanks again.  One more thing. You said I posted this on a community forum.  Is that the wrong place to post a question for Dr. Lupo?

[898_1]

Link to the picture:
http://s3.amazonaws.com/medhelp_images/user_photos/293894_tn?1348582797

[898_1]

You asked this question on community forum so I will answer it .
Below is the sonoraphic image of thyroid nodule. To measure the nodule the technician pauses the image and using computer mouse clicks on the border of the nodule (a cursor mark with little number 1 on left picture); then he locates the point on the opposite end of the nodule and clicks it (cursor without number ). In many cases 2 measurements perpendicular to each other are taken (picture on the right); some programs can automatically find the second point across the nodule (without number) making measurements less operator–dependent  
http://www.clinicalimagingscience.org/articles/2012/2/1/images/JClinImagingSci_2012_2_1_23_95446_u13.jpg