Expert: Karen Brawner - 4/15/2006

Question
I had an MRI done on my back, which revealed a cyst on my thyroid. My doctor scheduled an ultrasound, which showed the cyst to be on the right side of my thyroid. I peeked at the ultrasound and the cyst appears to be the size of a quarter. The technician informed me that my doctor would contact me with the results. The test was Thursday April 13, 2006 and I still have not heard from my doctor. Should I be concerned?

Answer
Dear Pat,   BE\eing concerned depends on exactly what TYPE of cyst this is....  Simple cysts (filled with fluid) are not as suspecious as Complex cysts or cysts with calcifications....  This test was only con Thursday and most likely the radiologist didn't even look at it until late Thurs. or even Firday....  He then has to dictate his findings, that dictation has to be typed, and then the radiology report must be SENT to the doctor or faxed... Then you wait till the doctor looks at it...  You are talking MAYBE you will hear from the doctor by April 20th (thursday)....  Until you know what TYPE of cyst you have there is no need to worry...  When you find out the type of cyst, then the doctor will determine if more tests need to be done like biopsy etc or actual surgical removal...

thank you,   karen