How To Decrease Size Of Thyroid Nodules?

Posted on Wed, 4 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 4 Feb 2015 Answered on

Wed, 4 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : how can i reduce the size of my thyroid which is functioning property.

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
iodine supplementation, thyroxine etc may help

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX

Welcome to HCM. I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.

Please share with us the size of thyroid gland,the ultrasound reports and your symptoms.

In thyroid nodule our aim is to find out if it is cancerous (to go for surgery) or non cancerous (to go for follow up). Needle biopsy is used to detect cancerous nodules. The options for decreasing thyroid nodules other than surgery are

1. Medications - small dose thyroxine, iodine, alternative medications (homeopathic tablets) etc may help to reduce the size. But these treatment are more useful in under active thyroid and benefits are seen in only 10% of patients.

2. Radio iodine ablation
3. Radio - frequency / laser ablation
4. Alcohol ablation

The last 3 options are used in selected centres, but not as recommendation in any guidelines.

Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.

Regards
Dr Ajish TP
Consultant Endocrinologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar