Hypoecogenic nodule, or hypoecogen, is one that is visualized by imaging tests, such as ultrasound, and indicates a low-density injury, usually formed by liquids, fat or light tissue, for example.
Being hypoecgenic does not confirm whether the nodule is malignant or benign, because in ultrasound examination, the word “ecogenicity” only indicates the ease with which ultrasonic signals pass through the structures and organs of the body. Thus, hyperecogenic structures tend to have a higher density, while hypoecogenic or anechoic structures have little or no density.
- Nodules are lesions formed by the accumulation of tissues or liquids that are more than 1 cm in diameter and are usually rounded and resembling lumps.
- They can have the following characteristics:.
A lump may appear on the skin, subcutaneous tissue or other organ of the body, common being detected in the breast, thyroid, ovaries, uterus, liver, lymph nodes or joints, for example. Sometimes, when they are superficial, they can be felt, while in many cases, only ultrasound or CT can detect them.
Generally, the nodule has characteristics that may indicate whether it is severe or not, however, there is no rule for everyone, requiring the doctor’s evaluation to observe not only the test result, but also the physical examination, the presence of symptoms or risks that the person may present.
Some characteristics that may arouse the suspicion of the nodule vary depending on the organ you are in and may include:
Most of the time, the breast lump is not a cause for concern, and benign lesions such as fibroadenoma or simple cyst, for example, are common. Cancer is usually suspected when there are changes in the shape or size of the breast, family history or when the lump has malignant characteristics, such as hardness, adhesion to nearby tissues, or when there are many blood vessels, for example.
However, if a breast tumor is suspected, your doctor will tell you a puncture or biopsy to determine the diagnosis. Find out how to tell if breast mass is malignant.
The fact that it is hypoecgenic increases the risk of malignancy in a thyroid nodule, however, this characteristic alone is not enough to determine whether it is cancer or not, requiring a medical evaluation.
Most of the time, the tumor usually punctures when it reaches more than 1 cm in diameter, or 0.5 cm when the nodule has malignant characteristics, such as hypoecogen nodule, the presence of microcalcifications, an enlargement of blood vessels, infiltration into nearby tissue. or when it is taller than wide in the cut view.
Nodules should also be perforated in people at high risk of malignancy, such as those who were exposed to radiation in childhood, have genes associated with cancer, or have a personal or family history of cancer, for example. However, it is important that the doctor evaluate each case individually, as there are specificities and the need to calculate the risk or benefit of the procedures, in each situation.
Learn how to identify your thyroid nodule, what tests to do, and how to treat it.
Liver nodules have variable characteristics, so the presence of a hypoecgenic nodule is not sufficient to indicate whether it is benign or malignant, as your doctor needs to make a more detailed assessment, on a case-by-case basis, to determine it.
The lump in the liver is usually sought for the presence of malignancy with imaging tests, such as TOM or RESONANCE, as long as it is greater than 1 cm or when it has a constant growth or change in appearance. In some cases, your doctor may or may not indicate a biopsy to confirm whether or not the mass is severe. Know when the liver biopsy is indicated and how it is performed.
It is not always necessary to remove the hypoecogen nodule because, in most cases, it is benign and only requires observation. Your doctor will determine how often your nodule will be monitored, with tests such as ultrasound or CT, for example, which may be every 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year.
However, if the nodule begins to show suspicious features of malignancy, such as rapid growth, adhesion to nearby tissues, changes in characteristics, or even when it becomes very large or causes symptoms, such as pain or compression of nearby organs, performing a biopsy, puncture, or surgery to remove the nodule. Find out how breast mass removal surgery is done and how recovery is going.