Shrunken Heterogeneous

[usafwsue]

I am a female 47 yrs old. I recently had an ultrasound for my thyroid. Clinical history of hypothyroidism treated to normal TSH on 75 mcg of synthoid. Medication increased from 50 mcg May 2008.  Recent TSH 3.66 June 2008 up from 2.6 in FEB 2008. History of recent family member diagnosed with thyroid cancer 2006, cousin, same age.
No other thyroid testing done-- TSH and recent ultrasound.

Results of ultrasound: Thyroid appears shrunken with fibrous septations, heterogeneous echo texture but no definable nodules. Gland measurements are 4.4 x 1.3 x 1.4 cm on right and 1.3 x 3.0 x 1.7 on the left with thickened isthmus of 6 mm. Decreased flow by doppler imaging.

Impression is shrunken heterogeneous thyroid gland, likely due to chronic thyroiditis, given the history of hypothyrodism no definable or concerning nodules are identified that would warrant biospy.

I was declined to see endocronlogist by Primary Care Physician and I was lucky enough to receive a print out of my ultrasound report (June 27, 2008) and was called by the doctor's Tech that my ultrasound for thyroid was normal. I have no medical background and wonder if I should be tested for antibodies and is this normal for the gland to shrink with hypothyroidism and  the findings in the ultrasound to be dismissed? Would my findings relate to Hashi Disease? Should I seek another opinion?

I want to prevent any further complications later down the road and want good health to see my children grow up. Hard to get someone to just discuss the findings and what they mean and what is chronic thyroiditis and I don't know the cause of my thyroid problems.

Sincerely,

USAFWSUE  


This discussion is related to Heterogenous Thyroid.