Understanding thyroid nodules with five characteristics
1, features 1: "low" and "high"
Echo is a unique description of ultrasonic report. The order of echo is "no echo-high echo-equal echo-low echo-very low echo", which shows that the risk of malignant transformation of nodules increases in turn, and low echo and very low echo nodules should be alert to the risk of malignant transformation.
2. Feature 2: "Vertical" and "Horizontal"
The medical term is aspect ratio. If the ratio of length to width is > 1, the nodules are vertical and thin, and the risk of malignancy increases. If the ratio of length to width is less than 1 and the nodule is horizontally long, it will be "short and fat" and the risk of malignancy will be significantly reduced.
3. Feature 3: Irregular
To put it simply, it has grown into a "crooked melon and cracked jujube", with uneven edges, spreading outward like crab claws, and some even occupy territory outside the thyroid gland. This kind of nodule is extremely risky and must be seen in the hospital as soon as possible.
4. Feature 4: Calcification
Calcification, especially microcalcification, is the most common type of thyroid cancer. Papillary carcinoma is one of the characteristic manifestations, but there are also some other types of thyroid nodule calcification, such as intermittent annular calcification, which has a malignant risk.
5. Feature 5: "Real" and "Virtual"
If the thyroid nodules are particularly empty, like blisters or sponges, and are composed of multiple small cystic structures, the medical term is thyroid cystic nodules or thyroid cysts, you can rest assured that such nodules will not become cancerous.
Extended data:
Benign thyroid nodules are followed up every 6- 12 months after evaluating thyroid function and excluding hyperfunctional adenoma by radionuclide thyroid static scanning, and can be "peaceful" without special treatment.
Only when the diameter of benign nodules is greater than 5 mm and there is compressed tissue, surgery is needed.
Believing in science, actively following up and maintaining a good attitude are the secrets of health. Yue Le Health reminds everyone that if you have a physical examination or find that your thyroid is abnormal, there are two attitudes that are not desirable:
Excessive worry, even if the nodule is only 1 mm, insist on surgery;
Too calm, even if it is highly suspected that the nodule is malignant.