Conditions our MRI scans have found

Syringomyelia is a condition in which a syrinx (fluid filled cyst) develops within the spinal cord. The most common cause of syrinx formation is Chiari malformation type I, a condition in which brain tissue protrudes into the spinal canal. Other causes include birth defects, spinal cord tumors, spinal cord injuries, and conditions such as meningitis and multiple sclerosis.

Thyromegaly, also called a goiter, means the thyroid is larger than normal. This can be from iodine deficiency, family history of thyroid disease or history of radiation exposure to the head and neck. Thyromegaly can be asymptomatic (no symptoms present) or can present with hypothyroid symptoms (i.e. fatigue, constipation) or hyperthyroid symptoms (i.e. weight loss, palpitations).

Growths on the thyroid, a small gland located at the front base of the neck, are known as nodules and can either be solid, fluid-filled or both. A cyst, by definition, contains fluid. Thyroid nodules which are entirely cystic, in which case there are no solid components detectable within the fluid, are almost routinely benign. Thyroid cysts are considered complex if they contain both solid and fluid components.

Thyroid nodules are solid or fluid-filled lumps that form within the thyroid, a small gland located at the front base of the neck. They are common and usually benign (non-cancerous), but because of the possibility of malignancy (cancerous), they do need follow-up and possibly biopsy (tissue sampling).

The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, carries air in and out of your lungs. A diverticulum describes a bulge or “pouch” that occurs because of an anatomical weak spot along the trachea, causing an outward bulge. A tracheal diverticulum is usually asymptomatic (does not cause symptoms) but can be associated with coughing or frequent respiratory infections.

In rare cases during embryonic development, parts of the thyroid might not be formed normally (thyroid dysgenesis). When a part is missing, this is called “atresia.” Missing parts of the thyroid does not necessarily mean abnormal thyroid function; thyroid function can only be properly assessed with laboratory blood testing.