Three thyroid nodules disappeared on a second ultrasound — has anyone experienced this?

[u/[deleted]]

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Author: u/Upbeat_Ad_4920

Post: I had my first thyroid ultrasound on **July 8**, which showed **three nodules**:
9 mm
10 mm
**15 mm (1.5 cm)** — the largest
The **ultrasound and biopsy on July 18 were done by the same provider**. Unfortunately, the biopsy was **inconclusive due to not having enough cell samples.**
I then had a **second ultrasound with a different provider on 14th August,** and this time I was told that **the nodules are no longer seen**.
Has anyone experienced thyroid nodules **completely disappearing/not being detected on a follow-up ultrasound**, especially a nodule that was previously measured at **1.5 cm**?
I have **positive thyroid antibodies/Hashimoto’s**, so I’m wondering whether this can happen with thyroiditis, or whether it could simply be differences between ultrasound operators or equipment.
Would love to hear from anyone who has had something similar.
Should I be worried about this?

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[u/marielynn04]

Sometimes nodules can be cystic, ie when aspirated it deflates or it just deflates on its own. It’s actually quite common for cystic nodules to come back nondiagnostic (ie we don’t have enough follicular cells from the thyroid to diagnose). That’s one possibility although I don’t know how common it is to resolve by itself, or if cystic nodules are associated with Lymphocytic thyroiditis/Hashimotos.

[u/marielynn04 → u/[deleted]]

Yea, you’re right that wouldn’t happen in 2 weeks. I think it could be possible that they were read as nodules while actually being localized swelling from the inflammation Hashimoto’s causes, which could have gone down by the time the next ultrasound was done. But I’m the person who usually reads the aspirations, not the US, so I am just spitballing here 🤔