What Does Hypoechoic Mean On Ultrasound?

Ultrasound uses sound waves to let us look inside the body.  A transducer is placed on the skin which produces sound waves.  These sound waves reflect from various tissues and return to the transducer.  The ultrasound machine forms an image that we can use to diagnose disease.

We use descriptive terms like hypoechoic to describe what we see in words.  The image that we see on ultrasound has shades of gray and white.  We use terms like hypoechoic and hyperechoic to describe what we see.

What does hypoechoic mean?

We often compare the tissue we are describing to another one.  This may be compared to a normal appearance of an organ or an abnormality which is whiter or darker than the surrounding tissues.

Hypoechoic means that the tissue or abnormality we are describing is darker than usual or compared to the surrounding tissues.  Technically, this means that the tissue does not return many sound waves.   Hypoechoic can be used to describe an organ, a part of an organ, or an abnormality that is located in an organ or tissue like a mass.

An example would be a hypoechoic liver mass.  This would mean that the liver has a mass which is darker than the liver.  A hypoechoic area in the spleen would mean that there is a darker spot in the spleen than usual.

Hypoechoic vs hyperechoic 

These are both descriptive terms in ultrasound.  One refers to tissues or abnormalities that are darker (hypoechoic) and the other refers to whiter tissues (hyperechoic).   We often compare tissues or organs to normal expected appearances or surrounding tissues.  When we see an abnormality, we try to describe it in words.

What is the significance of having hypoechoic in your ultrasound report?

This is simply a descriptive term.  This does not imply a specific diagnosis or disease.  The radiologist that dictates the report will provide a more specific diagnosis and any further testing that is required.

What is a hypoechoic mass?

A hypoechoic mass usually refers to a mass in the tissues or organs that is darker than the surrounding tissues.  This does not mean that the mass is cancerous.  Hypoechoic masses can be benign or cancerous.

Is the term hypoechoic specific to ultrasound?

Yes, hypoechoic is used in ultrasound tests.

What can a hypoechoic abnormality be on ultrasound?

Many different disorders and diagnosis can be hypoechoic.  We can have hypoechoic areas in an organ.  These can be cancers, benign tumors, infections, cysts, traumatic injury, in addition to other causes.  We can have hypoechoic areas in tissues like infections, bleeding, or tumor.

Can a doctor tell what a hypoechoic area is on ultrasound?

In some cases yes.  A radiologist can tell what a hypoechoic abnormality is on ultrasound based on the appearance, your history, and any other tests you may have had.  Sometimes the radiologist will recommend further imaging or testing to arrive at the diagnosis.

Should I be worried about a hypoechoic abnormality on ultrasound?

It depends on what the hypoechoic area is on ultrasound.  Hypoechoic is simply a descriptive term and says nothing about the underlying diagnosis.

Hypoechoic meaning on ultrasound summary

Hypoechoic is a descriptive term in ultrasound.  This term is often used in comparison to other tissues in the body.  Hypoechoic means that the tissue is darker than the tissue it’s being compared to.  The term hypoechoic does not mean there is a specific diagnosis or problem.  Often the radiologist will provide a more specific diagnosis in the radiology report.