Radiology Terms

Hypoechoic

What is Hypoechoic?

When a structure in the body does not reflect or bounce back the ultrasound waves as well as other structures around it, it is considered hypoechoic. 

Hypo means less than normal, and echoic means echo-like. On ultrasound scans, hypoechoic structures appear darker than the structures around them. Oftentimes, if an organ or mass is hypoechoic, the doctor may order additional testing.