US result

[aguna]

Dear Dr Lupo:
Could you interpret the following sonogram.  All thyroid levels have been tested and reported as normal.  The swelling in the thyroid gland is very noticeable in the mirror but it does not cause any pain or difficulty swallowing.  
Sonography shows the right lobe to measure 73 x 27 x 31 mm and the left to measure 71 x 20 x 16 mm.  There are multiple cofluent nodules expanding the lower pole of the right lobe.  There is a more discrete nodule a the posterior aspect of the right lobe measuring up to 25 mm, with a nodule more anteriorly measuring up to 22 mm.  Towards the upper pole of the right lobe, there is a more hyperechoic nodule measuring up to 10 to 11 mm.  There is a generally hyperechoic nodule at the lower pole of the left lobe measuring up to 18 mm in diameter with a nodule with a hypoechoic interior in the midpole of the left lobe measuring up to 14 mm.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Enlarged thyroid with multiple confluent nodules suggests benign nodular goiter but it is recommended to have FNA biospy to confirm this.  Hyperechoic is usually a benign feature.  Hypoechoic interior usually would refer to cystic degeneration (benign) in this context.

[aguna]

Thank-you for the clarification.

[898]

Palpable nodules are usually harder then the thyroid tissue so they can be found by neck palpation.

[aguna]

Thank-you very much for your very prompt response.  An FNA session is scheduled for me for this Wednesday.  I assume they will need to take sufficient samples from each of the nodules. Could you also illuminate me regarding the difference between palpable and non-plapable nodules?
Since I been suffering on an off from migraine-like headaches, an open MRI has also been arranged..