What is the difference between Complex Cyst, Calcified Complex Cyst, & hypoechoic nodule

[Fyli]

My Endo refered me to ENT as a follow up to my most recent ultra sound.  

The ultrasound results found the following:
Multi-nodular (14 nodes total) Goiter; both lobes were homogenous
Right lobe: 6 complex cyst with calcifciation present in two
Left lobe: 6 complex cyst with calcification in four of the six, and one hypoechoic nodule
Isthmus: 1 complex cyst

Can someone provide me with some information regarding the difference in these types of nodes?  Any information or questions I should ask the ent?

[artsyrose]

hypoechoic /hy·po·echo·ic/ (-e-ko´ik) in ultrasonography, giving off few echoes; said of tissues or structures that reflect relatively few of the ultrasound waves directed at them.

Dorland's Medical Dictionary for Health Consumers. © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

that pretty much means a solid mass of tissue that is reflecting the sonogram's waves.

complex means it is not a singular nodule...and since the report says cysts with calcified...probably indicates fluid filled cysts with calcified or encapsulated edges...in other words..fluid-filled cysts made up of multiple parts with hardened edges

I would think the one that does not mention calcification means it does not have distinct edges

my 2 cents :) Kathy

[utahmomma]

Just to add my $.02 worth (from a been there, done that perspective) . . .  

Roughly 85-95% of thyroid nodules are benign however there are indicators of suspicious nodules that need further investigation.

Calcification *can* be a sign of malignancy.  Complex nodules are also suspicious for malignancy.

Since you have so many suspicious nodules a biopsy (FNA) may or may not be conclusive.  Some doctors may recommend removal of your entire thyroid (TT).

Here's some info for you to look through so you can have some questions ready for your doctors:

http://www.endocrineweb.com/
http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/thyroid/

Learn all you can and ask all the questions you want.  There are many of us here who have been through all the tests and surgeries you can imagine and we are here for you.

[ChitChatNine]

Great info above.  I can just imagine how overwhelming this must be .. most of us only had to learn the meaning of one type of nodule .. you have a mixed bag .. keep us updated please!  

Cheryl

[bkb41]

I have a complex hypoechoic nodule in my left breast where I've had biopsies done and am nervous about this stereotactic core biopsy. Before the procedure can I take my seizure medicine.

Brenda Bell