Mass on MRI

[Madisons_Mommy]

Hi Dr. Lupo,

I have a question about a result I received on my neck MRI w/contrast.  This was done to try and find a parathyroid adenoma.  My doctor doesn't seem concerned about the result, but I am.  Here's the reading: "A 7mm in diameter round T2 hyperintensity is seen inferior to the left lobe of the thyroid along the interior lateral aspect of the left trachea.  This lesion does show evidence of enhancement and may represent a small parathyroid adenoma."

The doctor wasn't sure this was the adenoma; he thought it may just be a lymph node.  How common is that?  Should I be concerned about maybe, at the worst, a cancerous tumor?  I'm supposed to follow up in a few months, should I be seen sooner?  

Thank you!

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

clarify - diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism is based on labs.  

There are an estimated 200-300 lymph nodes in the neck region -- seeing them is not uncommon and if a lymph node 7mm is small.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

MRI cannot discriminate between a lymph node, parathyroid adenoma or other neck lesion with certainty.  This is a small (7mm) lesion - would discuss with your doctor the significance and further necessary evaluation.  Again, the diagnosis is based on labs, not imaging.