Seeking Clarity on My Neck Ultrasound Results
Hello everyone, I’m a 29-year-old woman weighing 126 pounds and I reside in the United States. About three weeks ago, while I was scratching my neck, I discovered a small bump. Since my primary care physician was unavailable, I consulted her assistant. The assistant reassured me that it likely was benign but, acknowledging my anxiety, she arranged for an ultrasound for further examination. Earlier this year, I battled an illness three times over the course of January and February. I’m almost certain that I contracted the flu on two occasions, and I endured significant symptoms for about seven weeks, perhaps experiencing one of the worst illnesses I've encountered in my life. Initially, I thought the bump was a result of my handbag. The strap rests directly on the area of the lump, and I often feel a severe burning sensation in the left side of my neck, shoulder, and back after wearing it for extended periods. This purse has been part of my daily routine for over a year now. I’m reaching out in hopes that someone can help interpret my ultrasound findings. The anxiety surrounding the results has been overwhelming, and I'm unable to decipher the information myself. Thank you in advance for your assistance! **Impression:** 1. No concerning thyroid nodule present. 2. Non-specific lymph nodes in the left cervical chain. **Follow-Up Recommendations (according to ACR TI-RADS):** - **TI-RADs 1:** Benign, no additional evaluation needed. - **TI-RADs 2:** Benign, no further workup necessary. - **TI-RADs 3:** Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) if nodule is >= 2.5 cm; follow-up ultrasound is advised if >= 1.5 cm. - **TI-RADs 4:** FNA recommended if nodule is >= 1.5 cm; follow-up ultrasound necessary if >= 1.0 cm. - **TI-RADs 5:** FNA if nodule is >= 1.0 cm; follow-up ultrasound indicated if >= 0.5 cm. **Electronically Signed By:** Ahmad Mousa on April 1, 2025, at 4:31 PM CDT **Reading Location:** MERGEREMOTE3 **Narrative** - **Procedure:** Ultrasound of Soft Tissues in the Head and Neck - **Technique:** Real-time sonographic imaging and color Doppler assessments of the thyroid gland and neck were applied. - **Comparison:** None available - **Clinical Indication:** R22.1: Neck mass **Findings:** - **Thyroid:** - Normal homogeneous echogenicity observed bilaterally. - **Right Lobe:** 3.5 x 1.3 x 1.3 cm; no nodules detected. - **Left Lobe:** 3.3 x 1.1 x 1.3 cm; no nodules found. - **Isthmus:** No nodules present. - **Neck:** - **Right Lymph Nodes:** No lymph nodes detected. - **Left Lymph Nodes:** - The targeted imaging at the palpable abnormality site reveals a 1.3 x 0.4 x 0.9 cm level 5 lymph node showcasing a normal fatty hilum. - Additionally, targeted images indicate a 0.5 x 0.2 x 0.6 cm level 5 lymph node with a normal fatty hilum.
Answers (1)
4/2/2025, 8:50:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are understandably anxious about your ultrasound results regarding the bump on your neck. I want to help clarify your findings and provide some reassurance.
Key Points:
- Your ultrasound findings show no concerning thyroid nodules.
- You have non-specific lymph nodes in the neck, which often do not represent a serious issue.
Explanation:
Your report indicates that both lobes of your thyroid are normal and free of nodules, which is a positive result. The lymph nodes referenced in your findings are described as having a normal fatty hilum, which usually suggests that they are reactive rather than malignant. In many cases, lymph nodes enlarge in response to infections or inflammation, such as could occur after an illness like the flu or due to something irritating in your environment (like your purse strap).
Next Steps:
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Pay attention to any changes in the bump or any additional symptoms, such as discomfort or changes in size.
- Consider Your Comfort: If the strap of your handbag is causing discomfort, you might want to avoid it or adjust how you carry it to see if that alleviates the burning sensation.
- Follow-Up: Since your ultrasound indicates non-specific lymph nodes, it may still be wise to check back with your healthcare provider for additional guidance or future imaging, particularly if symptoms persist.
- Reassurance and Awareness: Understand that many people have lymph nodes that can be reactive without serious underlying issues. If you feel anxious, it’s entirely normal. Engaging with a healthcare provider for further reassurance and discussing any lingering concerns can be helpful.
You’re doing well by seeking information, and it's important to prioritize self-care during this time. If you have further concerns or notice any new symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
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