Understanding My Neck Ultrasound Results
Age: 29 years, Weight: 126 lbs - Location: United States Hello everyone, I am seeking some clarity regarding my neck ultrasound results. To provide some background, approximately three weeks ago, I discovered a lump on my neck while scratching the area. Unfortunately, my primary care physician was unavailable, so I consulted with her physician's assistant. While she couldn't definitively diagnose the lump, she suggested it was likely benign. I speculate that the lump may be related to my purse, which I have been using for over a year. The strap often causes considerable discomfort and burning pain in the neck, shoulder, and chest area, precisely where the lump appears. Additionally, I experienced a series of illnesses from January through late February, during which I was unwell for seven consecutive weeks. I had three different health issues, two of which I believe were severe cases of influenza, marking it as one of the most trying times I'm ever faced in terms of health. As my 30th birthday is tomorrow, I am anxious about the lump and am hoping for some peace of mind through understanding my ultrasound findings. I appreciate any insight you can provide. Thank you in advance! Here are the results from my ultrasound: **Findings:** **Impression:** 1. No suspicious nodules found in the thyroid. 2. Nonspecific lymph nodes in the left cervical chain. **Follow-up Recommendations (based on ACR TI-RADs guidelines):** - **TI-RADs 1:** Benign, no further examination necessary. - **TI-RADs 2:** Benign, no further examination necessary. - **TI-RADs 3:** Fine needle aspiration (FNA) recommended for nodules larger than 2.5 cm; follow-up ultrasound if nodules are 1.5 cm or larger. - **TI-RADs 4:** FNA recommended for nodules equal to or larger than 1.5 cm; follow-up ultrasound if nodules are 1.0 cm or larger. - **TI-RADs 5:** FNA recommended for nodules equal to or larger than 1.0 cm; follow-up ultrasound if nodules are 0.5 cm or larger. *Electronically Signed By: Ahmad Mousa on 4/1/2025 4:31 PM CDT* *Place of Reading: MERGEREMOTE3* **Ultrasound of Soft Tissues in Head and Neck:** - **Technique:** Real-time sonographic imaging and color Doppler examination of the thyroid and neck. - **Comparison:** None noted. - **Clinical Indication:** R22.1, indicating the presence of a neck mass. **Observations:** **Thyroid Examination:** - The thyroid presents as uniformly echogenic bilaterally. - **Right Lobe Size:** 3.5 x 1.3 x 1.3 cm; no nodules noted. - **Left Lobe Size:** 3.3 x 1.1 x 1.3 cm; no nodules noted. - **Isthmus:** No nodules present. **Neck Findings:** - **Right Lymph Nodes:** No lymph nodes detected. - **Left Lymph Nodes:** - Examined images at the site of the palpable lump reveal a lymph node measuring 1.3 x 0.4 x 0.9 cm located at level 5, exhibiting a normal fatty hilum. - Another lymph node measured at 0.5 x 0.2 x 0.6 cm at level 5, also showing a normal fatty hilum.
Answers (1)
4/2/2025, 5:01:24 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your ultrasound results indicate that the lump you found on your neck is related to lymph nodes, and there are no suspicious nodules in your thyroid gland. The findings suggest that the lymph nodes are normal, which is reassuring.
Explanation:
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Lymph Nodes: The ultrasound showed nonspecific lymph nodes in the left cervical chain. One lymph node measured 1.3 x 0.4 x 0.9 cm, and the other was smaller. The presence of normal fatty hilum in these lymph nodes typically indicates that they are benign and not indicative of malignancy.
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Thyroid Results: There were no abnormalities noted in your thyroid gland, which is also a positive sign.
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Follow-Up Recommendations: Based on the TI-RADs guidelines, no further examination is usually needed when no suspicious nodules are found (as in your case, which aligns with TI-RADs 1 or 2).
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the lump and any symptoms you might have. If the lump changes in size, becomes painful, or your discomfort in the neck/shoulder area worsens significantly, consider seeking further evaluation.
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Consider Your Purse: Since you mentioned discomfort caused by your purse strap, you may want to assess its weight and adjust how you carry it to alleviate pressure on your neck and shoulder. Alternating with backpacks or crossbody bags might help reduce strain.
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Stay Informed: If your symptoms persist after the adjustments or if you have ongoing concerns about your health, consider scheduling a follow-up with your primary care physician. You might discuss your recent illnesses and any remaining symptoms to ensure comprehensive care.
Remember, it's normal to feel anxious about changes in your body. Your current results are reassuring, but staying proactive about your health is always a good strategy. If you need more specific guidance or have further questions, feel free to ask.
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