Expert: Karen Brawner - 12/9/2005

Question
I recently had an ultrasound on my thyroid and this is what they found.  

The left lobe of the thyroid is diffusely enlarged measuring 3.0 by 3.1 by 4.7 cm.  The thyroid isthmus does not appear to be enlarged.  

The right lobe is unremarkable in appearnace measuing 0.9 by 1.3 by 3.4 cm in size.  An 8.0 by 8.6 mm low echoic nodule deep to the right love of the thyroid and separate from the thyroid suggests a benign lymph node.  Enlarged parathyroid must alsobe considered.  

I know that you need to get a biopsy done.  What does all this mean?

Thanks.  

Answer
Dear Linda,   The nodule is not on the thyroid and that is why the radiologist thinks this is an inflammed lymph node...  The left thyroid lobe is enlarged, but there is no mention of a nodule on this so this could be just an enlarged thyroid lobe and for this there is no reason to go a biopsy unless there was a nodule there and this does not indicate that....

The radiologist DOES suggest that the parathyroid be checked out and this is by he say an enlarged parathyroid MUST be considered....

I do not know if you are currently seeing an Endocrinologist, but I would suggest that you do see one and take with you the ultrasound film and the radiologist report...  Get second opinions before you allow anyone to do biopsies or surgery...

thank you,   karen