The thyroid itself will not be a problem if the longitudinal diameter is larger than the transverse diameter, but the greater concern is with thyroid nodules, which may indicate some risk of malignancy if the longitudinal diameter is larger than the transverse diameter, i.e., if the longitudinal to transverse ratio is >1. A thyroid nodule with a longitudinal diameter greater than the transverse diameter indicates that the nodule is longer longitudinally.
The aspect ratio of a thyroid nodule is a measurement of the longitudinal and transverse diameters of a thyroid nodule under thyroid ultrasound, and the results are compared. A thyroid nodule with a longitudinal diameter larger than the transverse diameter means that the aspect ratio is greater than 1, which suggests that the nodule has a higher likelihood of being malignant, and if necessary, it is recommended that a puncture biopsy be performed to clarify the nature of the nodule.
Understanding the morphologic characteristics of thyroid nodules on ultrasound can help assess the risk of malignancy. The presence of hypoechoic or very hypoechoic solid nodules with irregular morphology, aspect ratio >1, or microcalcifications is highly suggestive of a malignant thyroid nodule and may require fine needle aspiration of the thyroid.
Surgery is required in the case of malignant thyroid nodules or benign thyroid nodules with compression symptoms. If the thyroid function is abnormal, it needs to be treated with medication, such as antithyroid drugs like propylthiouracil for hyperthyroidism, or levothyroxine sodium tablets for hormone replacement therapy for hypothyroidism.
If the longitudinal diameter of the thyroid gland is larger than the transverse diameter, you can go to the hospital and ask the doctor to make a judgment.