A neck ultrasound found a 5 mm left subclavicular lymph node with no visible fatty hilum. I have hypothyroidism and I've been referred to a specialist. I'm very worried.

Hello, Pilar: I completely understand your concern, but I would like to reassure you. A 5 mm node is a very small node. It is true that the absence of a fatty hilum may lead the radiologist to recommend further investigation, but this finding alone does not mean there is a serious disease. Lymph nodes can change for many reasons, such as recent infections, inflammatory processes, autoimmune diseases and even reactive changes of no clinical importance. The referral to a specialist is an appropriate decision, as it will make it possible to assess the finding within your clinical context, perform a complete physical examination and decide whether any additional test is needed, such as blood tests, a follow-up ultrasound or, in specific cases, other imaging studies. My advice is not to draw conclusions before the medical assessment. The vast majority of small nodes do not correspond to malignant diseases and must be interpreted together with the rest of the clinical history. I hope I have been able to reassure you. Kind regards.