What Does My Ultrasound Scan Report Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 5 May 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 5 May 2015 Answered on

Tue, 26 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a ultrasound of my thyroid which showed
Right lobe: 5.3 x 1.7 x 1.8cm. Hetergenous Echo pattern
Mid pole of 1.4 x 1.3 x 1.0 solid nodule with mild increase echogenicity otherwise isoechoic pattrrn.

Left lobe: 4.8 x 2.0 x 1.9 cm
Mid pole 1.7 x 1.6 x 1.4 cm with some cystic area but predominately solid with mixed echogenicity.

Isthmus 4mm with no focal mass

All labs are normal

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Need FNA

Detailed Answer:
Good day.
Your ultrasound scan shows one nodule each in both lobes of thyroid. The solid nodule surely need a needle test (FNA). The other nodule is cystic but has solid components in it. So even that need a FNA . Any nodules more than 1 cm in size need a needle test to exclude cancer. But having said this, thyroid cancer is rare and the chances are only 1 to 5% if you hat have a nodule. But srely need FNA to rule out this.
Regards
Binu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (4 minutes later)

But what I was wondering if there is anything that would make you think it might be. I am very worried and concerned. My biopsy has already been set up for Wednesday

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need a more descriptive scan report

Detailed Answer:
Not to worry. As I said earlier, the chances of malignancy is very rare. The ultrasound pattern which you described is insufficient to comment further. We need more descriptive ultrasound report. Need to know the doppler scan pattern, the borders of nodules, any halo present around the nodule, any lymphadenopathy etc to comment further. Could you attach a copy if the ultrasound scan?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (8 minutes later)

I don't have access to that. But thanks for being Sooo kind. I try not to worry but the solid ones scare me.

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No to worry about

Detailed Answer:
Oh no. I do many ultrasound scans and FNA in my office. Hardly any report comes back as malignant. The vast majority are benign. The needle test is very simple and takes hardly few minutes. You don't have to worry at all. Thyroid malignancies are very rare. And even if it is malignant, it is easily treatable and in vast majority of cases, it is completely curable. Stay relaxed.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (14 minutes later)

Awwwww. Such a sweet man and physician. I appreciate your kindness. I will try not to worry. Do u happen to know why my neck is itching. Maybe nerves?? Lol. I am very anxious. But you have helped me. Thanks again

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Best wishes

Detailed Answer:
My pleasure. As you said,the itchiness could be just because of anxiety itself. But if there are any external skin lesions, you may need medications for itching. Otherwise not to worry.
Wish you a speedy recovery.
Regards
Binu.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar