Anon - Thyroid nodules are fairly common. When they are found doctors will typically do an ultrasound exam to determine whether additional tests are needed to rule out cancer. The radiologists who read the reports are looking for specific nodule features, and use the words hypoechoic and hyperechoic to describe the type of echo "shadow" made by the nodule. Hypoechoic nodules cast off fewer or weaker echoes than the surrounding normal tissue, while hyperechoic nodules cast more or stronger echoes than the surrounding normal tissue. In most cases, benign thyroid nodules (non-cancerous) appear hyperechoic, the term you are asking about. Malignant (cancerous) thyroid nodules are more likely to be hypoechoic.
In terms of size, this link from Endocrine Web provides a good illustration of the difference between a normal size thyroid and an enlarged one. http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid/thyroid-goiter
In terms of treatment, that will depend on your individual situation but you can find general information about treatment, as well as many helpful articles, in our goiter section.
https://www.empowher.com/condition/goiter
Please let us know if we can provide additional assistance.
Pat
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Anon - Thyroid nodules are fairly common. When they are found doctors will typically do an ultrasound exam to determine whether additional tests are needed to rule out cancer. The radiologists who read the reports are looking for specific nodule features, and use the words hypoechoic and hyperechoic to describe the type of echo "shadow" made by the nodule. Hypoechoic nodules cast off fewer or weaker echoes than the surrounding normal tissue, while hyperechoic nodules cast more or stronger echoes than the surrounding normal tissue. In most cases, benign thyroid nodules (non-cancerous) appear hyperechoic, the term you are asking about. Malignant (cancerous) thyroid nodules are more likely to be hypoechoic.
In terms of size, this link from Endocrine Web provides a good illustration of the difference between a normal size thyroid and an enlarged one. http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid/thyroid-goiter
In terms of treatment, that will depend on your individual situation but you can find general information about treatment, as well as many helpful articles, in our goiter section.
https://www.empowher.com/condition/goiter
Please let us know if we can provide additional assistance.
January 3, 2011 - 3:15pmPat
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