Clinical presentation: a 61-year-old woman was referred for an evaluation of a thyroid nodule detected on ultrasound. She had been treated for hypothyroidism for 18 years.

Palpation: no abnormality.

Hormonal investigation: euthyroidism on daily 62.5 microgram levothyroxine with TSH-level 3.01 mIU/L.

Ultrasonography: the thyroids were hypoechogenic. There were several echonormal-hyperechogenic areas in both lobes. These corresponded to lobules and not nodules in a pathological sense.

Cytological diagnosis: benign Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Comment: the inadequate use of the term nodule may cause unnecessary anxiety for the patient. The entire ultrasound pattern (see video) practically excludes the possibility that this patient may have nodular goiter.