The third is with a biopsy, usually guided by an ultrasound. ThyroidCancer.com is an educational service of the Clayman Thyroid Center, the world's leading thyroid surgery center operating exclusively at the new Hospital for Endocrine Surgery. Color Doppler images are obtained to supplement gray scale images in the appropriate clinical setting (ie, suspected thyroiditis) and to help characterize a focal abnormality or nodule. You can also technically evaluate thyroid nodules with other tests such as MRI and CT scans but these are not often recommended. Normal Size of Thyroid Gland - Bodytomy Some patients are good candidates for a scarless thyroid procedure, where the surgeon reaches the thyroid through an incision made on the inside of your lower lip. Rumack CM, et al., eds. It's unclear why this occurs, but it's not cancerous and isn't considered serious unless it causes bothersome symptoms from its size. Very large nodules are surgically removed. What are the odds of the nodule being malignant? : r/thyroidhealth - Reddit Tiny nodules, which are less than 1 cm in diameter. The mass appears to displace and compress normal soft tissues of the neck (pink) anteriorly. The image shows the artistic rendering of the small hypofunctioning thyroid (gray) the normal thyroid in the middle (pink), and the hyperfunctioning and enlarged thyroid of thyrotoxicosis. Patients worry about thyroid nodule size as these tumors get bigger, cause symptoms, or become noticeable. This imaging test uses sound waves to get pictures of the thyroid gland, surrounding tissue and structures, and the lymph nodes in the neck. Hyperthyroidism can result in weight loss, muscle weakness, heat intolerance, and anxiousness or irritability. 2018; doi:10.1097/CAD.0000000000000617. Things to Know About Thyroid Nodule Size, Plus Size Chart Suppose you go to your doctor for a check-up, and, as shes feeling your neck, she notices a bump. Sonographic evaluation of lymph nodes in the mid and low neck (levels III, IV, and VI) should be part of every thyroid ultrasound. Doctors use radioactive iodine to treat hyperthyroidism. It's unclear why this occurs, but it's not cancerous and isn't considered serious unless it causes bothersome symptoms from its size. As a patient, though, you can use the size of your nodule as a quick and dirty way to assess whether or not you should be worried. This content does not have an English version. However, if you have developed thyroid nodules, you may be able to feel lumps on your neck, depending on the nodules size. The normal thyroid gland is homogeneous in appearance. Other rarer conditions, such as papillary or follicular carcinomas, are linked with nodules of this size. I go to great lengths to help my users better understand their health; however, the content you see here is not a substitute for medical advice. ISBN: 9780702029714 -, elevators, retractors and evertors of the upper lip, depressors, retractors and evertors of the lower lip, embryological development of the head and neck. Because each thyroid nodule, regardless of the size, has a small risk of turning into thyroid cancer. #2 Thing to Know About Thyroid Nodule Size: Thyroid Nodule Size Over 4 cm Requires Surgery As noted above, thyroid nodules are common, occurring in 40% of women and 30% of men during their lifetime. Accessed Oct. 31, 2019. The mass is seen on cross sectional CT as an irregularly enhancing mass connected to the thyroid gland on more cranial views. Diagnostic approach to and treatment of thyroid nodules. It is safe, inexpensive, and an effective diagnostic test. He has had a goiter for many years and biopsy showed amyloidosis of the thyroid. If you have questions regarding your health you should seek qualified information from a medical professional or your doctor. The gland is heterogeneous particularly well seen on the sagittal view (c). there are multiple bilateral cysts and nodules. ADVERTISEMENT: Radiopaedia is free thanks to our supporters and advertisers. Your doctor should be walking you through these steps but you can also ask for them if you are worried. These cookies do not store any personal information. The sagittal view shows mildly coarse heterogeneous echo texture. TSH Levels: Low to high ranges, symptoms, and what they mean Some thyroid adenomas lead to hyperthyroidism. The risk of thyroid cancer increases with these risk factors: There are really three different ways to test or evaluate your thyroid nodule. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window), on Ultrasound of the Normal Thyroid with Technical Pearls and Pitfalls, Imaging Spectrum of Endometriosis (Endometriomas to Deep Infiltrative Endometriosis), Neuroimaging of Patients in the Intensive Care Unit, Congenital Incidental Findings in Children that Can Be Mistaken as True Pathologies in Adults, Recent Innovations in Renal Vascular Imaging, Radiologic Clinics of North America Volume 58 Issue 6. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 2 ). Even though getting a biopsy is not technically difficult (its easy to find a nodule and stick a needle in it), you dont necessarily want to get a biopsy of every thyroid nodule that you see (9). Check for errors and try again. This test exposes patients to absolutely no radiation. Thyroid. In pediatric patients, a simple formula for estimation of spleen volume is: 6 + Age/3; A detailed table is available here: Normal splenic size for pediatric patients; Pancreas. 2018; doi:10.3322/caac.21447. Ultrasound Courtesy Ashley Davidoff MD Copyright 2010 96233c01.8, A normal thyroid gland in sagittal (a) and transverse (b) planes is juxtaposed on an abnormal atrophied gland(c,d). Your thyroid is critical for regulating many of your daily bodily functions, such as heart rate, libido, reproduction, and digestion. If you wish to know the exact thyroid gland location, then note that the gland is located on the anterior part of the neck, near the trachea and larynx. Thyroid nodules are solid or fluid-filled lumps that form within your thyroid, a small gland located at the base of your neck, just above your breastbone. Copyright Bodytomy & Buzzle.com, Inc. The larges nodule in the right lobe is a complex mass in the midportion, measuring 0.9 x 0.7 cm, with a cystic component within it and some vascularity. American Thyroid Association. Linear measurements are the standard for most evaluations, but measurements that portray a volume or mass are also possible using conventional imaging techniques. The thyroid hormones also play an important role in carrying out metabolism in the body. The thyroid is a gland which has a fundamental role in the good functioning of the body system. In other cases, the nodules can get big enough to cause problems. Origin of Medical Terms. Perri F, et al. Thyroid cancer was more prevalent in males than females, and in patients who were older than or equal to 45 years. Seek medical care if you develop signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as: Also see your doctor if you have signs and symptoms that may mean your thyroid gland isn't making enough thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism), which include: There is a problem with Normal thyroid lobe dimensions change from birth into adulthood: the length (L or craniocaudal) diameter is 1.8 to 2.0 cm in newborns and 4.0 to 6.0 cm in adults, while the A-P dimension measures 0.8 to 0.9 cm in newborns and 1.3 to 1.8 cm in adults. The isthmus measures less than 4 to 5 mm. This procedure can also be done on enlarged lymph nodes in your neck which may be a better way to diagnose thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer is one of the most treatable kinds of cancer. Her TSH is elevated at 12 mIU/L. | Disclaimer | Become Our Patient. Overview of thyroid nodule formation. Transient CH is diagnosed by the presence of normal thyroid function, a thyrotropin-releasing hormone study, and scintigraphy performed during a trial off therapy. The endocrine system consists of glands which produce hormones. The sagittal view shows mildly coarse heterogeneous echo texture. Most thyroid nodules are benign, and many are asymptomatic; however, larger nodules can indicate thyroid cancer. 5th ed. 26th ed. In both the cases, it is found that the size of the thyroid gland increases, resulting in goiter. Stephanie Ryan, Michelle McNicholas, Stephen J. Eustace. The the most important dimension when considering enlargement of the gland isthe A-P diameter which should not be >2cms. This test can also be used to check the number of nodules, thyroid nodule size, and can even reveal what the blood supply to these nodules looks like. Most thyroid nodules dont cause health issues; you may not know that they are there unless your doctor notices them during a routine check-up. Sonographically, the normal thyroid gland is homogeneously echogenic with increased echogenicity as compared with the adjacent strap muscles. Some patients are good candidates for a scarless thyroid procedure . Isthmus Thyroid Nodules: Risk for Cancer - Verywell Health Accessed Oct. 31, 2019. Most thyroid nodules are not cancerous and are not something that you should be worried about. What is the Normal Size of a Thyroid? - StuffSure You can use an ice pack to alleviate any discomfort or swelling. Most thyroid nodules aren't serious and don't cause symptoms. The isthmus is2-6mm inA-P diameter and is up to 20 mm. Goldblum JR, et al., eds. As these nodules get bigger, they can cause symptoms and the needle biopsies are less reliable (due to the increasing volume that cannot be completely sampled with a tiny needle). When you get your nodule tested, be sure to also look for other thyroid conditions which are frequently associated with thyroid nodules. The normal thyroid measures 5.0cms (length) x 1.1cms (A-P anteroposterior) X 1.4 cms (transverse TRV) and the abnormal thyroid measures 8.5cms (craniocaudad), by 3.9cms (A-P) by 4.8cms (transverse). Thyroid Nodules: Advances in Evaluation and Management | AAFP There are certain factors, or characteristics, which, if present, may increase your risk of having thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer. And this makes a lot of sense, considering the thing you should be worried about is your risk of cancer. Problems can occur when a nodule or goiter produces thyroid hormone, leading to an excess amount of the hormone in the body. All rights reserved. Figure 1:Thyroid nodule size chart shows that the likelihood for requiring thyroid surgery increases as the size of the thyroid nodule increases. Ultrasound can help evaluate a thyroid nodule and determine the need for biopsy. This can be a symptom of some abnormality like goiter. The thyroid gland is composed of a left and right lobe connected in the middle, which extends in a butterfly shape at the base of the neck, underneath the larynx. These conditions are not termed as abnormal. normal thyroid function continues or returns to normal after treatment. The trachea lies immediately posterior to the isthmus and is air-filled. A newer alternative that the doctor can use to treat benign nodules in an office setting is called radiofrequency ablation (RFA). {"url":"/signup-modal-props.json?lang=us"}, Gaillard F, Worsley C, Yap J, et al. The findings are consistent with a retrosternal thyroid goiter, Courtesy Ashley Davidoff MD Copyright 2010 94516c.8s, Normal and Diffusely Enlarged Hypothyroid Gland Ultrasound. Sign up to receive 20% off your first order. An overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue is sometimes referred to as a thyroid adenoma. This test is usually done by manually feeling or palpating the thyroid gland while the patient (you) is taking a drink of water. no financial relationships to ineligible companies to disclose. 11th ed. I love to write and share what I've learned over the years. Tests such as a comprehensive history and physical, palpation of the thyroid gland, tests of your thyroid function through blood work, and even ultrasound may all be warranted. Symptoms and signs of the disease depend on the size and location of the goiter. The thyroid gland is one of the largest glands in the body weighing 15-20grams. Accessed Oct. 31, 2019. Thyroid Nodule Size and Prediction of Cancer: A Study at Tertiary Care The good news is that this is actually quite rare. Not all large nodules are bad, and not all small nodules are benign. If you find it difficult to eat or breathe due to discomfort or pain in your thyroid region, notify your doctor immediately. But size isnt the only thing that matters. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Adthyza Thyroid Medication Review: Should You Use it? Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Kitahara CM, et al. Thyroid nodules are growths that occur in the thyroid gland forming a lump or bump within the otherwise smooth, even thyroid. Its simple: Most people treated with RFA are back to their normal activities the next day with no problems. Clearly, thyroid nodule size matters. The isthmus is the portion of the thyroid gland that connects the two lobesanteriorly. The word isthmus is derived from the Ancient Greek (isthmos) meaning a neck of land 8. Accessed Dec. 6, 2019. There are no specific anatomic landmarks within the thyroid. The lateral lobes are connected in the midline by a narrow isthmus which is adherent to the 2nd to4th tracheal rings. Is your thyroid nodule actually thyroid cancer in disguise? The size of the thyroid changes with age. In: Conn's Current Therapy 2019. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Thyroid ultrasound is best performed with the patient in a supine position with the neck hyperextended. The thyroid gland. Doctors will probably recommend that anyone who has a nodule larger than 1 centimeter (cm) in size has a biopsy. This increase in size or volume of the gland from is considered normal. (former Osteopathic Physician). The bottom line is thyroid nodule size is matters. The patient was a candidate for surgery. Size and sonographic characteristics of the nodes should be assessed. (2002) ISBN: 9780198605126 -, 9. Also, thyroid function tests were done, and they were normal too. A Verified Doctor answered 30 years experience These hormones aid in physical as well as mental growth and development of the child. Below I will discuss the top 4 things to know about thyroid nodule size. Our thyroid experts in the head and neck endocrine surgery team diagnose and treat patients with a variety of thyroid and parathyroid conditions. The gland is not usually palpable on clinical examination. If your thyroid is functioning normally, you shouldnt be able to feel it externally. Characteristic of Vertebrates and Its Form. The material from your glands is sent to a laboratory for an in-depth examination. The density appearance is puzzling. The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones that are essential to carry out various functions in the body. read more about my own personal health journey, free thyroid downloads, resources, and PDFs here, If you have a thyroid nodule and you are younger than 20 years old or if you have a thyroid nodule and you are older than 70. Overall prevalence of thyroid nodules in the general population has been estimated as high as 65-68% based on autopsy studies. Solid/cystic (1-point) Hyperechoic (1-point . 22 The limits of normal thyroid volume are 10 to 15 mL for adult females and 12 to 18 mL for Dec. 5, 2019. Thyroid nodules are often diagnosed as benign by needle biopsy during a patient evaluation. Most recommendations suggest getting a biopsy if your nodule is greater than 1.0 cm by itself. https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/thyroid-nodules. There is no reason to let a thyroid nodule continue to enlarge or grow past 4 cm. Join endocrinologist Paul Ladenson, M.D., as he outlines the signs and symptoms of the various thyroid disorders and discusses the interplay among other diseases and the thyroid. The thyroid tends to be larger in women and also larger during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. The first imaging study used in work-up and evaluation of thyroid nodule size and any thyroid problem should always be an expert, skilled, dedicated thyroid and neck ultrasound. Both lobes should be imaged in transverse and longitudinal planes, and the isthmus should be imaged in the transverse plane. Thyroid nodules greater than 4 cm in diameter have a 15% likelihood of becoming cancerous, according to one study cited by The American Thyroid Association. If we combine this information with your protected What Is A Normal Size For Thyroid Nodules Thyroid Nodule Biopsy Thyroid nodules range in sizeyour doctor will decide what to do depending on their size. The strap muscles include the sternohyoid and sternothyroid anterior to the thyroid, the sternocleidomastoid muscles anterolateral to the thyroid, and the longus colli muscles posteriorly. No suspicious thyroid nodules. Vaccines & Boosters | Testing | Visitor Guidelines | Coronavirus. The magic number in terms of size is 1 cm or 10mm. (2010) ISBN: 9781416031215 -, 3. A few anatomic variants can occur, and it is important for the sonographer and radiologist to be aware of these variants, to avoid misidentifying them as a pathology. The good news is that most people with thyroid nodules do not and will not get thyroid cancer. A small nodule with a diameter of less than 1cm is often benign, but if it reaches a size greater than 2 cm, there is an increased risk of cancer. What Size Thyroid Nodule Should You Worry About? The thyroid is best imaged using a high-frequency linear probe with the patient in a supine position with the neck hyperextended. "Thyroid" derives from the Greek word "" (large oblong shield) and "" (-like) 5. Here are 4 ways you can get more help right now: #1. However, the size of the thyroid can vary depending on a number of factors, such as age, gender, and whether you have an underlying medical condition. A thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy can collect samples of cells from the nodule, which, under a microscope, can provide your doctor with more information about the behavior of the nodule. If you have a question for our surgeons, Those that are slightly larger and have fewer suspicious features may not be biopsied until they reach a size of 1.5 to 2 cm. What size is normal for thyroid isthmus A 20-year-old female asked: Thyroid ultrasound the right thyroid lobe measures 4.7 x 1.6 x 2.4cm.the thyroid isthmus measures 7mm.the left thyroid lobe measures 5.2 x 1.6 x 1.7cm? Two popular treatments for thyroid nodules are Radioactive Iodine Therapy and Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). A normal ultrasound of the thyroid gland is demonstrated. Courtesy Ashley Davidoff MD Copyright 2010 94549c05g03.8s. Hypothyroidism. The images shown in c & d are from a 70year female who reveals diffuse atrophy of her thyroid by this ultrasound examination. When not considering other parameters such thyroid cancer, thyroid function, etc., the size of a nodule can reliably predict the need for surgery as seen in Figure 1. Want to know why I'm so passionate about these topics? Enlarged right thyroid lobe shown would lead to symptoms like difficulty breathing and swallowing and would require surgical treatment. Diagnostic and Surgical Imaging Anatomy. The ligament of Berry is a posterior extension of the thyroid capsule which attaches to the cricoid cartilage and the upper tracheal rings. In: Diagnostic Ultrasound. The sagittal view shows mildl coarsening and heterogeneity of the echoexture. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Report / Delete Reply ann19043 LAHs As thyroid nodule size increases, these masses crowd out/replace normal thyroid tissue. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Chicago: Year Book Medical Publishers; 1987:608-618. Thyroid | Size - The Common Vein Because many thyroid nodules dont have symptoms, people may not even know theyre there. (2005) ISBN: 9780781742917 -, 5. Studies have shown time and time again that larger thyroid nodules tend to turn into thyroid cancer at a higher rate compared to smaller thyroid nodules. The size of the normal thyroid gland is variable, but in adults, each lobe measures approximately 522cm (sagittal anteroposterior transverse) with the isthmus measuring up to 0.3cm in anteroposterior dimension. The bilateral internal jugular chains are imaged in the transverse plane from the clavicle to the level of the hyoid (levels III, IV, and VI). 2. Hyperthyroidism is caused due to over production of the thyroid hormones; whereas hypothyroidism is caused due to the underproduction of these hormones. As seen in Figure 2, which shows common food items size relative to thyroid nodules, once these nodules reach the approximate size of a lemon, they are as big or bigger than a normal half of a thyroid gland. In children, gland shape and contour are used to indicate gland enlargement rather than size. However, dimensions that fall outside of this. Normal Size Range According to endocrinologist Dr. Mark Lupo, normal dimensions for the thyroid gland are 4 to 4.8 x 1.0 to 1.8 x 0.8 to1.6 cm. The thyroid gland is a single midline endocrine organ in the anterior neck responsible for thyroid hormone production which lies in the visceral spacecompletely enveloped by pretracheal fascia (middle layer of the deep cervical fascia). The thyroid volume of each lobe was calculated according to the formula V (ml) = 0.479 width (cm) depth (cm ) . and for normal . The patient is a 70 year female who shows diffuse atrophy of her thyroid by this ultrasound examination. Accessed Nov. 7, 2019. It may be caused by a diffusely enlarged gland, by multiple nodules or sometimes by a single large nodule, Large Retrosternal Goiter Compressing the Trachea, The plain film (a), with magnified view (b) shows a large mass shifting and compressing the trachea (teal) to the right. This can be caused by single or multiple nodules (lumps) in the thyroid or by an autoimmune process. Thyroid ultrasound can help determine thyroid nodule size and whether the nodule is solid or filled with fluid. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could The risk of bleeding or infection is small, but they are still real and present. Ralph Weissleder. However, after histopathological results, the patient was counseled for Figure 2. . The vast majority more than 95% of thyroid nodules are benign (noncancerous). Are you showing signs which are concerning? (2011) Page 43, 194. The first imaging test used in work-up and evaluation of thyroid nodule size and any thyroid problem should always be an expert, skilled, dedicated thyroid and neck ultrasound. All rights reserved. Anterior chest veins are also prominent. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2020. Nodules the size of a grape or small kiwi usually require a needle biopsy for further information. You will notice that while size is certainly a risk factor, you should also look at other risk factors including whether or not the nodule is causing symptoms, your age, and what the nodule looks like on ultrasound. Accessed Oct. 31, 2019. Restart Medical LLC. Foods to Avoid if you Have Thyroid Problems: Ive found that these 10 foods cause the most problems for thyroid patients. Most thyroid nodules are benign, but some are cancerous (roughly 5%). At Another Johns Hopkins Member Hospital: The Johns Hopkins Thyroid and Parathyroid Center, Webinar: Thyroid Disease, an Often Surprising Diagnosis, Radiofrequency Ablation for Thyroid Nodules. This article provides a comprehensive review of ultrasound of the normal thyroid gland, including technique, normal anatomy, anatomic variants, imaging appearance, and technical pearls and pitfalls. (d). Or your doctor may uncover it during a scan that was done for another health reason. These sound waves travel through the skin and are bounced back to the transducer when they hit soft tissue or bone, creating an image of the thyroid. Mayo Clinic. This method helps in diagnosing any underlying disorder. Large nodules, symptomatic ones, nodules that are growing, and ones that are atypical or suspicious (on ultrasound or needle biopsy) often require thyroid nodule surgery. We hope you enjoy this website. What Size Thyroid Nodule Should You Worry About? As mentioned above, the thyroid gland is one of the largest endocrine glands found in humans. Normal Size of Thyroid Glands: Average Dimension of Thyroid Gland Although these nodules are benign, almost all of them will enlarge or grow over time. He is married and has 3 children. Eventually, the nodules will cause issues such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, a noticeable lump or mass in the neck, pressure/discomfort (particularly when laying down), and a feeling of a lump or something stuck in ones throat. RFA is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure approved by the FDA, which uses alternating electric currents to generate heat inside a thyroid nodule. A small nodule with a diameter of less than 1cm is often benign, but if it reaches a size greater than 2 cm, there is an increased risk of cancer. Aggressive thyroid cancers are rare with nodules that may be large, firm, fixed and rapid growing. The number of nodules and their size are not predictive of malignancy, as a nodule smaller than 1 cm is as likely as a larger nodule to harbor neoplastic cells in the presence of suspicious US features.. Having said that, there are some people that will, which is what we are going to talk about now. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of The soft densities to the right of the right lobe are related to the patients newly diagnosed lymphoma. Thyroid Nodules: When to Worry | Johns Hopkins Medicine Thyroid ultrasound is the best and most common method for evaluating the thyroid. The first is with a manual exam, usually performed by your doctor. Let us know your question(s) and we will forward it to our surgeons Anatomy for Diagnostic Imaging. On the transverse view it is not quite round but the gland is full bodied reminiscent of its large size. Gray's Anatomy. If your doctor first orders a CT scan, MRI, or PET/CT scan to evaluate your thyroid problems, you need a second opinion from an expert. ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads, Please Note: You can also scroll through stacks with your mouse wheel or the keyboard arrow keys. (See "Thyroid hormone synthesis and physiology" and "Thyroid hormone action" .) Accessed Nov. 4, 2019. P.S. Normal transverse thyroid on grayscale ultrasound. The left lobe of the thyroid measures 4.1cms (craniocaudad), by .8 cms (A-P) by 1.1cms (transverse). I'm Dr. Westin Childs. The normal right lobe (a,b) measures 4.6cms (length) x 1.4cms (A-P anteroposterior) X .7 cms (transverse TRV) and the hypoplastic left lobe measures 2.9cms (craniocaudad), by .6cms (A-P) by .7cms (transverse). Most common: A growth (nodule) that appears as a visible lump on your neck. http://www.thyroid.org/hyperthyroidism/. Thyroid nodules are very common. Heres what you need to know about thyroid nodules and how concerned you should be if you develop one. Lymphatic drainage is multidirectional and initial lymph drainage is to perithyroid lymph nodes then on to prelaryngeal, pretracheal and paratracheal nodes (level 6 lymph nodes). In image a and b the visualized portion of the goiter measures 8.8cms, has a central avascular component and an enhancing rind. Ultrasound of the Normal Thyroid with Technical Pearls and Pitfalls In fact, experts estimate that about half of Americans will have one by the time theyre 60 years old. Hyperthyroidism. What is a goiter? While most thyroid nodules are not cancerous as noted above, some are (5%, maybe 10%-15% at most). Mremi et al. Hormone Health Network. Importantly, thyroid nodule size, however, does not directly correlate with the nodules being malignant. Normal thyroid lobe length is 4-6 cm while thickness (AP dimension) is 2cm; Goldman L, et al., eds. Unable to process the form. Just found this on Google re average size of a thyroid gland: Anatomy. CT findings are consistent with brachial cleft cyst. The image on left is a coronal view of the neck and the b is a transverse view of the thyroid. These smaller nodules are challenging to biopsy and this should only be done at high-volume centers such as ours. PDF Papillary thyroid carcinoma arising from The Author(s) 2023 Volume 11 The findings are consistent with a retrosternal thyroid goiter, Courtesy Ashley Davidoff MD Copyright 2011 31460c01.8s, Retrosternal Goiter Compressing the Brachiocephalic Vein, A large retrosternal goiter is seen extending down anterior to the top of the aortic arch is noted in this 74 year old female patient. The size of the thyroid gland can increase due to certain conditions like pregnancy or smoking frequently.