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What Is a Hypoechoic Mass?

H. Colledge
H. Colledge

Discovering a hypoechoic mass on an ultrasound can be a source of concern, but understanding its implications is crucial. Characterized by its darker appearance on scans due to lower ultrasound wave reflection, a hypoechoic mass can signal various conditions. According to a study published the Korean Journal of Radiology, the nature of these masses varies, with some benign and others indicating malignancy. 

The study further notes that while cysts, often benign, appear hypoechoic, solid masses require further evaluation to determine their nature. Understanding what a hypoechoic mass represents is essential for appropriate medical assessment and intervention, highlighting the importance of expert analysis in each unique case.

Hypoechoic masses show as dark areas on ultrasound scans.
Hypoechoic masses show as dark areas on ultrasound scans.

Ultrasound works by sending out high frequency sound waves which bounce off tissues. A probe sends out the sound signals, and the reflected echoes are captured and transformed into a black and white image displayed on a screen. What are called hyperechoic areas tend to return more waves, while hypoechoic regions return relatively fewer waves. Where sound waves pass through water, there are usually no reflected waves and the area appears black, or anechoic.

A hypoechoic ovarian mass could be a tumor.
A hypoechoic ovarian mass could be a tumor.

A hypoechoic breast mass may be benign, as in the case of a non-cancerous tumor called a fibroadenoma. This appears on an ultrasound scan as a hypoechoic mass with smooth edges. Fibroadenomas are common in young women and may sometimes disappear by themselves, so they are usually only removed if they are large or increasing in size. A breast lump could also be a simple cyst which, being fluid-filled, has an anechoic, rather than a hypoechoic, center surrounded by a well-defined wall. Again, this is a benign, or non-cancerous, mass and can be treated by draining the contents using a needle.

A breast fibroadenoma is a hypoechoic mass that's benign.
A breast fibroadenoma is a hypoechoic mass that's benign.

An ovarian mass which appears hypoechoic on ultrasound could be a tumor known as a fibroma. This is a benign, solid growth which can grow quite large, sometimes becoming bigger than a grapefruit. An ovarian fibroma is usually removed surgically and the ovary may be preserved if possible.

One example of a hypoechoic mass, seen in the thyroid gland, is a benign tumor called a follicular adenoma. Confusingly, follicular adenomas may also appear hyperechoic, where more sound waves are reflected back, giving a brighter appearance. In either case, follicular adenomas seen on ultrasound scans tend to be surrounded by a ring which is hypoechoic. They are the most common kind of thyroid tumor, and they are often removed as a precaution because it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish them from thyroid cancer.

The thyroid gland may be the location of a hypoechoic mass called a follicular adenoma.
The thyroid gland may be the location of a hypoechoic mass called a follicular adenoma.

In the liver, a hypoechoic mass may represent a growth of cancer cells which have traveled from an original tumor elsewhere in the body. This kind of malignant mass, which originates elsewhere, is known as a metastasis, plural metastases. In most cases where cancer has spread to the liver, the disease is not curable, but treatments such as chemotherapy may shrink tumors and increase life expectancy.

What Are the Types of Hypoechoic Mass?

There are different types of hypoechoic masses, including those found in:

A hypoechocoic mass in the liver may represent a growth of cancer cells.
A hypoechocoic mass in the liver may represent a growth of cancer cells.

Many people who feel a mass in their breast worry that it’s breast cancer since that’s the second most common cancer in women (with skin cancer as the first). Thankfully, many masses found in breasts are benign. Though the mass may resemble cancer, it could be a fibrocystic change, granular cell tumor, spindle cell lesions, or other common medical issues.

It’s easy to spot changes in kidney tissues, so your doctor will notice a hypoechoic mass on that organ quickly. Studies have found that 25% of hypoechoic kidney masses are benign. However, renal cell carcinoma can initially present as a hypoechoic mass, so you should check with your doctor for follow-up testing.

In the liver, a hypoechoic mass might appear as a single spot. Even if you have multiple spots, they can still be benign. Your liver is still healthy, and you might not experience any symptoms. Common benign hypoechoic masses in the liver include abscesses, hepatic angiomas, and hepatic adenomas.

If your doctor detects a hypoechoic mass on your uterus, it could be one of many things. Fibroids are common, found in about 70% of women. They’re solid masses, and if your doctor finds one, you’ll likely have several more. While they’re not cancerous, they can prolong your period or cause pelvic pain, so your doctor may prescribe treatment if necessary.

In addition to the previously mentioned locations for hypoechoic masses, you might also find them in your stomach, pancreas, intestines, ovaries, or testicles.

How Do You Find a Hypoechoic Mass?

A hypoechoic thyroid nodule is a common occurrence that is often benign, but since there’s a low risk of cancer, you should check with your doctor. Due to the location of the thyroid gland, you might experience discomfort because your neck is swelling.

Hypoechoic masses can form anywhere in the body and are often first detected by an ultrasound scan. The ultrasound acts like a flashlight illuminating your internal parts. The results will show shapes and shadows but nothing specific about the hypoechoic mass itself.

The scan will look shadowy or might show a halo around a specific part of your organ. The outline might look irregular, such as having an angular edge rather than rounded. Your doctor will be able to notice if the growths look abnormal compared to how the organ would typically appear.

If your doctor sees a hypoechoic mass on an ultrasound, they’ll schedule further testing to verify the mass and learn more about what it could be. Depending on the location, your doctor might suggest follow-ups like:

  • CT scan
  • MRI scan
  • Biopsy
  • Blood tests
  • Mammogram

Each test will give your doctor additional information about the hypoechoic mass. At that time, they’ll decide on a treatment plan or send you to a specialist.

How To Treat a Hypoechoic Mass

Different ways to treat a hypoechoic mass depend on where it is, its size, and if it’s making you experience adverse symptoms.

Sometimes your doctor won’t want to treat the mass directly. If they found it due to an infection or inflammation, they might choose to treat that issue first. A hypoechoic mass can shrink on its own if the underlying cause is gone. Your doctor will monitor the mass to ensure it’s not growing over time or creating more medical problems.

Radiofrequency ablation is a method that uses electrical currents to shrink masses and tumors without major surgery. The specialist will insert a probe into your body, sending out radio frequency waves to kill the mass’s cells.

For large masses, your doctor might recommend surgery. Even if the mass is benign, its size can cause discomfort, obstructions, and other issues that prevent your body systems from functioning normally. If you have a mass blocking blood vessels, organs, or nerves, your doctor will most likely want to remove it altogether.

The type of surgery will vary depending on the mass’s position. Endoscopic, laparoscopic, and keyhole surgeries require only small incisions to remove the mass. If it’s too large for these methods, you’ll have a more traditional open surgery so the doctor can safely remove it all.

FAQ on Hypoechoic Mass

What is a hypoechoic mass?

A hypoechoic mass refers to an area that appears darker on an ultrasound compared to the surrounding tissues. This term 'hypoechoic' literally means that the mass reflects fewer ultrasound waves, which can indicate a variety of conditions, ranging from benign cysts to malignant tumors. The nature of the mass often requires further investigation through additional imaging tests or a biopsy to determine its composition and whether it poses any health risks.

How is a hypoechoic mass detected?

A hypoechoic mass is typically detected during an ultrasound examination. During this non-invasive procedure, a technician uses a transducer to send high-frequency sound waves into the body. These waves bounce off internal structures and are captured to create an image. Hypoechoic masses appear as darker areas on the resulting image, prompting further analysis to assess their characteristics and potential implications for the patient's health.

What could a hypoechoic mass indicate?

A hypoechoic mass can indicate a range of conditions. It might be a benign lesion, such as a simple cyst or a fibroadenoma, especially in organs like the breast or ovary. However, it can also suggest more serious conditions, including cancerous tumors. The exact nature of a hypoechoic mass can only be determined through additional diagnostic procedures, such as a biopsy, MRI, or CT scan, which provide more detailed information about the mass's structure and potential malignancy.

Are hypoechoic masses always cancerous?

No, hypoechoic masses are not always cancerous. Many hypoechoic masses turn out to be benign, such as cysts or fibroadenomas. The appearance of a mass on an ultrasound is just one characteristic that doctors consider when making a diagnosis. Factors like the mass's size, shape, and the presence of calcifications, as well as the patient's medical history, are important in determining the likelihood of cancer. A definitive diagnosis often requires a biopsy.

What are the next steps after identifying a hypoechoic mass?

After identifying a hypoechoic mass, the next steps typically involve further diagnostic testing to determine the nature of the mass. This may include additional imaging tests like MRI or CT scans, which can provide more detail. Often, a biopsy is performed to obtain a tissue sample for pathological examination. The results of these tests guide the treatment plan, which may range from watchful waiting to surgical removal, depending on the diagnosis.

Discussion Comments

anon1005708

Check into cryoablation. It is being done on many cancers, breast included. I wish I knew about it years ago.

anon939286

I have a history of breast cancer. My post mastectomy ultra sound indicates a hypoechoic nodule. Should I be concerned that the cancer has returned?

anon352229

My mother has undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy for breast cancer. The follow up checkup ultrasound suggested a very small hypoechoeic lesion in the left lobe of her liver. I am confused as to what it could be. Please help.

anon343268

W 0.6cm hyperechoic focus was noted in the lower pole of the left kidney. What does this mean?

anon320058

I've been diagnosed with a 4.9 x 5.0 x 3.8cm complex hypechoic heterogeneous cystic area on the left ovary. It has no internal blood flow and a fishnet appearance. The Radiologist states it's a hemorrhagic cyst.

I'm confused as I can't seem to find any research, matching his descriptions, indicating this is a hemorrhgic cyst. I'm wondering if I should get a second opinion as he has suggested I do not do a repeat ultrasound. Any thoughts?

anon260223

@ post 1. It cannot be hypoechoic with blood flow in the breast. If it has blood flow, it would more likely be hyperechoic. It should not be touched with a needle if it has blood flow. You need, depending on your age, mammograms yearly and genetic testing if indicated. A repeat ultrasound in three months is ideal in your case.

@post 2: Poster 1 did not say it hurt. If it is associated with pain, its most likely cancer.

@post 3: I don't think a urologist would be happy to see patients with breast lumps. A breast surgeon, like me, would be.

@post 7: These are standard complications which would/could happen to any parotid lump excision, including, but not limited to: bleeding, infection, scar, loss of sensation around incision site, facial nerve injury (the seventh cranial nerve), taste changes, etc.

amypollick

@anon230060: That's odd. It may be that your husband's body absorbed the nodule or something, but I'd get another opinion from an endocrinologist. I had a nodule on my thyroid last year, and had the right lobe removed early in 2011. It was, thankfully, benign, as are most nodules, but it wasn't doing me any favors being there.

The surgery was done on an outpatient basis and I had no complications.

anon230060

My husband went to the doctor with dizziness. A workup to include lans, ekg, and carotid doppler were done. The carotid doppler showed a solid nodule on his thyroid. Because of suspicion of thyroid cancer, he was sent for an ultrasound of the thyroid. This was positive for the solid nodule plus several fluid cysts. He was referred to our ENT and he recommended taking the thyroid out because of the solid nodule.

We opted for a second opinion and this doc refused to take it out without more tests. So more labs, and an I123 scan were done. Surprise. On the I123 scan the thyroid was negative for any nodules. Is this possible? He is scheduled for a fine needle aspiration biopsy next week but this will be canceled if the ultrasound can't pick up the nodule. Does a solid nodule just disappear?

anon166517

I have had results back from the pathologist and it seems this lump in my parotid anteriorly is not malignant. However, I will have to have it surgically removed as it is a growth of some kind and is getting larger. I was also told that there are some risks involved in this procedure which could cause paralysis on the face which could be permanent and that there would also be a scar on my face next to my left ear from the surgery.

Can anyone please tell me if this is normal and if I should consult with another surgeon for a second opinion and also what are your comments, as I have already posted on this site and to date have had no response. Your comments will be most informative to what I decide in the very near future.

anon166019

I have a hypoechoic mass in the left carotid anteriorly. Is this bad? or am I worrying for nothing? Slides were taken for examination and sent to a pathologist. The lump is not painful.

anon148916

hypoechoic liver mass? found it on liver ultrasound. no blood flow to such. what does this mean?

doppler

@wecallherana - Definitely seek out another doctor. While these things can turn out to be harmless in many cases, that doesn't mean that it's not painful right now.

plaid

@wecallherana - Hypoechoic, as stated previously in the article above, is a term used to describe a part of an ultrasound image where the echoes (ultrasonic waves) are not as bright as normal or are less bright than the surrounding structures. I would see a second urologist (or even another urologist in this same group if there is one) for another opinion. I would want them both telling me to wait for a three month follow up before I would feel comfortable with that advice. I think the fact that they just sent you home – even without a prescription for the pain – is absurd personally.

leiliahrune

@wecallherana - This can be a very scary thing to go through! My first recommendation is that you get a second opinion and tell them everything you just wrote here. Secondly, you should monitor your pain on a level of 1 through 10 in order to give the Dr a good idea of what's going on in your daily life and how this affects you.

Lastly, this is no laughing matter and they should have a biopsy done. In many cases, the lesion turns out to be harmless, but painful. If this is the case, then you can most certainly have it removed. My research on Breast Cancer (it runs in my family as well) is that the bad lumps don't ever really hurt. Bummer situation, but definitely seek out another Dr.

wecallherana

A few months ago I found a small lump on my right breast through a self examination. At first I assumed it was nothing that was important to worry about. So I kept an eye on it to make sure that I was okay.

My family has a history of breast cancer so I made an appointment. The mass turned out to be "palpable" (a small type of tumor) and the doctor ordered an ultrasound. I was told there is a hypoechoic lesion with blood flow. The Dr. said she wanted to do another ultrasound in three months to see if the mass is growing and told me to take IB Proufen. After the phone call I started thinking and I know it is growing because it was smaller three months ago which is why I made the appointment in the first place.

Does anyone have any advice with anything like this situation? I'm not quite sure what I should do. I'm only trying to be pro-active.

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    • Hypoechoic masses show as dark areas on ultrasound scans.
      By: Sven Bähren
      Hypoechoic masses show as dark areas on ultrasound scans.
    • A hypoechoic ovarian mass could be a tumor.
      By: Zsolnai Gergely
      A hypoechoic ovarian mass could be a tumor.
    • A breast fibroadenoma is a hypoechoic mass that's benign.
      By: Convit
      A breast fibroadenoma is a hypoechoic mass that's benign.
    • The thyroid gland may be the location of a hypoechoic mass called a follicular adenoma.
      By: nerthuz
      The thyroid gland may be the location of a hypoechoic mass called a follicular adenoma.
    • A hypoechocoic mass in the liver may represent a growth of cancer cells.
      By: pankajstock123
      A hypoechocoic mass in the liver may represent a growth of cancer cells.