Thyroid Ultrasound

[TheresaJoan2]

Please, I need some help! I've been trying to find an endocrinologist that will listen to me to no avail.For right now I'd be happy w/ some input about the results of this ultrasound:

"Enlarged right and left lobes of thyroid noted. Right lobe is 4.60 x 1.86 cm. Left lobe is 4.62 x 1.73. In the mid right lobe, 0.78 x 0.41 1.0 cm size hypoechoic nodule noted. Color Doppler showws peripheral vascularity. Echogenoic pattern of the left lobe is nonhomogeneous. Isthmus is unremarkable. No nodule, left lobe.

Impression: enlarged right & left lobes of the thyroid w/ nonhomogeneous echo pattern. Hypoechoic nodule right middle lobe 0.78 x 0.41 x 1.0 cm size w/ peripheral vascularity. "

Thank you

[Barb135]

Are you saying that you have both Graves and Hashi's? I don't understand why they would test you for Graves if your TSH was high, indicating hypo, not hyper and Graves is associated with hyper.

Thyroid nodules can, on occasion, produce hormones independently of the thyroid, which will often cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism.  Nodules aside, it's not unusual for patients to swing between hyper and hypo in the early stages of Hashimoto's.

There's no scientific data to support the theory that gluten causes inflammation of the thyroid and typically, there's no reason to avoid it, unless of course, one is truly sensitive to it, then it should, by all means, be avoided.  

[Jodileanne]

I have Hashimoto's too. And yes I can relate with the symptoms that you are dealing with. It can be hell. I find it best to try really hard to eliminate stress factors in my life. (the ones that can be avoided) as stress seams to provoke some of my symptoms with the Hashimoto's. Recently my TSH and other labs started coming back out of normal range (TSH high) and so the tested me for the antibodies for Graves and it came back positive. But I think having just having that nodule on your thyroid can cause your labs to go up and down. I gathered that from reading post on medhelp but It would be a good question for the Doc. I also noticed that if I try to eat well and stay away from gluten the Hashimoto's symptoms get a bit better. I guess Gluten can cause inflammation of the thyroid when you have hashi.    

[Barb135]

I'm far from being an expert at reading ultra sounds, but here are some things I've run across.

Enlarged thyroid (goiter) indicates swelling/inflammation, which is common with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.  Nodules are also very common with Hashimoto's; many of us have nodules and usually, they are nothing to worry about.

Hypoechoic nodule may indicate a thyroid cancer, but not always.  Malignancy is less likely with peripheral vascularity. Inhomogenous means that the nodule has varied texture.

Did the report indicate whether or not follow up with FNA is recommended?  You should talk to your doctor and ask about this.  Some doctors won't do FNA until a nodule is larger, because too small a nodule won't provide enough cells for a conclusive diagnosis.  

Thyroid cancer is rare and is very easily cured with removal of the thyroid.

[TheresaJoan2]

Thank you, I appreciate it. My scan & uptake came back below normal. I have Hashimoto's syndrome and I have a lump at the base of my neck on the right side. Along w/ countless symptoms of hypo-t. My blood work is the problem. One month it's normal the next it's my values are high. Normal next. High next. You see the pattern. so, based solely on my blood work my endocrinologist won't put me on meds. Even to TRY! I am so frustrated! This has been going on since Sept. 2009!!! But it's nice to know that SOMEONE is listening!