can interpretation of a nodule size differ from one ultrasound machine to another?

[kooboogoo]

is it possible for different results/interpretations from one ultrasound machine to another? or is it likely that my nodule
has actually increased in size again?
i had an ultrasound 3 months ago that revealed a thyroid nodule of 3.5cm (greatest dimension) and now it is 4.2 cm.
Any thoughts/ideas are appreciated

[blsdnsvd]

I figured "what the heck" i was willing to try something that possibly worked. The product is natural and I ordered it online...it's called "goiterex"  @$28.00 a bottle (60 capsules) and has seaweed extract in it. I've been using it for about 9mos until i finally decided to have the TT. It has no side effects whatsoever.....it will more than likely benefit those who do not have any abnormal cells within the nodules (unlike mine).....

[kooboogoo]

Thanks to all for your thoughts. I talked to my GP today; he seems to think that results can vary depending on machine/interpreter ... either way, I now await an app't with
a head/neck surgeon ... FNA results of my dominant nodule suggest "atypical cytology".

[McMillanNelson]

"a product that "supposedly" reduced the size of the nodule"

Yes Please, What was the product, and you elaborate more on your type of Nodules and what your results were ?

Thanks,

McMIllan

[MANmom]

I asked a question of my Endocrinologist once, he said it would only differ a cm or two, and it depended on where the tech or doctor actually measured from, some techs measure a little differently than others.

[LazyMoose]

You mean something other than thyroid med I am assuming.  ?

[LazyMoose]

"a product that "supposedly" reduced the size of the nodule"-Interesting

Would you mind sharing what that product was?

[blsdnsvd]

I agree with the other posters. I "had" nodules on both sides and the larger one did grow a bit over a period of two years...from 3.5 to 3.7cm...I avoided the surgery and tried a product that "supposedly" reduced the size of the nodule and "it did"...However, what's important is: the fna results and findings on the ultrasound or cat scan...Because, I had abnormal cells on both sides of my thyroid and my fna's were all benign,I was recommended to have a TT (which i did, on 12/17) and thank God that the pathology results were benign as well. I feel relieved due to not having to have ultrasounds and fna's every six month's for the rest of my life and not having to pray that each time the results are still benign. I urge you to get different opinions and keep all copies of testing for your records. If your nodules contain abnormal cells, consider removing them....Be Blessed.

[LazyMoose]

If there was a variation between ultra sounds, I doubt it would be that large. If that was common, I don't think they would use it. I dont know the exact details of ultrasound opperation other than having the test performed on my thyroid. Hospital equipment is tested regularly for calibration compliance. But if it could never get out of calibration, it would never need to be tested for it in the first place, right?

But: What I do know is when comparing any scientific tests to each other, you need to  eliminate all variables to validate any decision based on the results - this is what I have done for years, job wise. And that would mean the same machine- good luck with that. If humans are involved in physically moving something and this is expected to be duplicated (moving the ultrasound), even by the same person, good luck. Machines don't make mistakes, but the people operating them are uncontrolled variables. Possibly, there can also be a difference of interpretation by the end interpreter, especially if this is two different people. What this means is you cannot 100% accurately compare two ultrasound tests to each other. Simply a very good, hi tech guide. Don't expect a doctor to look this far into this either.

So, to answer your question- "is it possible for different results/interpretations from one ultrasound machine to another?"    Maybe a little difference, you have a lot of variation though, more than a little. With that much difference in so little time, I would think the doctor would have you retested.

[6hashi]

I don't think that the interpretation can differ from one machine to another .