Looking for iodine info specifically related to nodules

[Guest guest]

I'm trying to find some info specifically related to iodine use and thyroid

nodules. Searching this group I see that some have had success with iodine and

nodule shrinkage. I plan to buy Dr. Brownstein's Iodine book (and Gluten-free

one as well), but was hoping I could find something on the web related to

treating nodules. I have a single non-palpable 1.2cm nodule that was found

incidentally while looking for something else. I had a FNA biopsy around 6

months ago, and it came back fine, just regular thyroid tissue. But they want to

do the ultrasound every 3 months, and a FNA every 6 months. I missed the last

ultrasound as I was out of town, but I'm sure when I call back they will want to

reschedule for the FNA. Personally I would feel better just doing the ultrasound

and then if texture/shape changes or it grows in size, perhaps then another FNA.

Maybe. Anyway not a lot of luck on finding info related to treating nodules. I

do see that there are docs

like Dr. Brownstein and Dr Abraham that use iodine (and even some using things

like ethanol injections and levothyroxine therapy), but I've yet to find any

local doctor that wants to do anything put watch it or cut the thyroid out.

Anyway here is some info from just a quick google looking for treatment of

nodules:

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400449/Controlling-a-Thyroid-Nodule.html

" I don't know of any supplements or dietary measures that can help control small

thyroid nodules, but I checked with Seymour Reichlin, M.D., Ph.D., a

distinguished endocrinologist and retired research professor of medicine at the

University of Arizona. He told me that since iodine deficiency can cause nodular

enlargement of the thyroid (also called goiter), it is important to be sure that

your dietary intake of that trace mineral is adequate. However, he said that he

doesn't believe that taking supplemental iodine will reduce existing nodules,

although it might prevent new ones from forming. And he cautioned that no one

with known nodules should take iodine supplements without medical supervision,

especially if they are older. "

http://www.drugs.com/cg/thyroid-nodules.html

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" Iodine supplement: Your caregiver may ask you to increase the amount of iodine

in your diet. Iodine is found in milk, fish, clams, and other seafood. In areas

where iodine deficiency is common, you may be given iodine supplements. This

treatment may also help shrink your thyroid nodule. "

" Ethanol injection: Ethanol (alcohol) is given as a shot into your nodules to

make them smaller. An ultrasound is used to guide your caregiver as he injects

the ethanol into your thyroid gland. Ask your caregiver for more information

about ethanol injection treatment. "

http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/treating-thyroid-n\

odules-1292188.html

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" Thyroid hormone suppression therapy - A benign thyroid nodule can be treated

with levothyroxine. This is a synthetic form of T3 or thyroxine. It can be taken

orally in pill form. The idea behind this treatment is in providing additional

thyroid hormone, the pituitary gland will be signaled to produce less TSH

(hormones that stimulate growth of thyroid tissues). Theoretically, this should

work. However, there is no clear evidence to support that levothyroxine therapy

shrinks thyroid nodules. There is even some question as to whether it is

necessary to reduce the size of benign nodules. "

http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119631207/abstract?CRETRY=1 & SRETRY=0

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" THE TOXIC EFFECTS OF SMALL IODINE SUPPLEMENTS IN PATIENTS WITH AUTONOMOUS

THYROID NODULES - It is concluded that the physician should be aware of the

possibility of precipitating or aggravating thyrotoxicosis in patients with an

autonomous hot nodule by increasing their intake of iodine. "