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A hypoechoic nodule, sometimes called a hypoechoic lesion, on the thyroid is a mass that appears darker on the ultrasound than the surrounding tissue. This often indicates that a nodule is full of solid, rather than liquid, components.
A hypoechoic mass is tissue in the body that’s more dense or solid than usual. This term is used to describe what is seen on an ultrasound scan.
Ultrasound uses sound waves that are absorbed by or bounce off of tissues, organs, and muscles. The waves form the black and white image you see on an ultrasound screen.Ultrasound is a useful tool to see if any part of your body has changed from its baseline state. One tissue type may have a different than another. This is the amount of sound waves that are reflected or echoed back.A change may show up as hypoechoic or hyperechoic.
These masses differ in a number of ways. A hypoechoic mass can form anywhere in the body. It has a number of causes, including harmless ones.A hypoechoic mass may be a tumor or abnormal growth.
It may be benign or malignant. A benign tumor may grow but it will not spread (metastasize) to other organs. A malignant (cancerous) tumor can spread and invade other parts of the body.In some cases, an ultrasound scan may be the first exam to check organs and tissues.
It acts like a flashlight beam that shows shapes and shadows inside the body. Treatment for a hypoechoic mass depends on the type, size, location, and symptoms. Wait and see approachYou may not require treatment at all. In some cases, the underlying infection, inflammation, or condition may be treated. Or, a hypoechoic mass may shrink on its own. Your doctor may take a wait-and-see approach if it’s safer to carefully monitor the mass instead of removing it.
SurgerySurgery may be the best option to remove larger hypoechoic masses. Benign growths can cause pain, obstruction, and other complications.
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In some cases, a benign mass may become cancerous, or rupture and cause bleeding inside the body. Masses that affect organs, blood vessels, and nerves are commonly removed. Others may be removed for cosmetic reasons.Tumor surgery may be done with a keyhole, laparoscopic, or endoscopic procedure. This technique requires tiny surgical incisions or none at all. Some masses may require traditional open surgery. Ablationis another less invasive procedure that shrinks masses with electrical currents.If there’s any doubt about a diagnosis, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove it.
Removing a mass is one way to help reduce the risk of cancer. Additional treatmentHypoechoic masses that are diagnosed as malignant require more aggressive treatment. This includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other cancer treatments.
Healing time and expectationsHealing time depends on the type of tumor and treatment. You may require pain management, as well as antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection after some procedures.Hypoechoic masses that are benign don’t normally grow back once they’re removed.
Malignant tumors can sometimes grow back even after surgery and treatment. Follow-up scans help to ensure that if there is a new growth, it’s caught and treated as early as possible. A hypoechoic mass is a nonspecific finding that means you may need further tests. It’s not a measurement or a diagnosis.
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