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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Radioactive Iodine Or Surgery Needed For Hyperthyroidism?

I have had hyperthyroidism for at least 10 years with a left hot nodule that has been tested benign 3 times. I have never had to take thyroid medication because my numbers are always borderline. I don't have pressing symptoms. I would like a 2nd opinion regarding radioactive iodine vs. surgery. Do I need either?
Tue, 4 Mar 2014
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Endocrinologist,  's  Response
Hello,

Good day. You have not mentioned your age and gender. I presume that you have subclinical hyperthyroidism ( Low TSH with T4 in the upper range of noral). This is common with thyroid nodules. You have mentioned that it is a hot nodule ( i guess you had a nuclear scan earlier). This is an issue as some of the patients can progress to full Hyperthyroidism. Even Subclinical hyperthyroidism is associated with bone loss ( osteoporosis) and irregularities in heart beat etc. So a number of factors have to be considered before we plan treatment like age, associated other diseases lke high blood pressure, osteoporosis, heart disease etc.

If the nodule is a hot nodule, i recommend radio active iodine treatment as the first choice unless the nodule is too big or if there are contraindications for radio active iodine.
Hope this helps
Regards
Binu
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Is Radioactive Iodine Or Surgery Needed For Hyperthyroidism?

Hello, Good day. You have not mentioned your age and gender. I presume that you have subclinical hyperthyroidism ( Low TSH with T4 in the upper range of noral). This is common with thyroid nodules. You have mentioned that it is a hot nodule ( i guess you had a nuclear scan earlier). This is an issue as some of the patients can progress to full Hyperthyroidism. Even Subclinical hyperthyroidism is associated with bone loss ( osteoporosis) and irregularities in heart beat etc. So a number of factors have to be considered before we plan treatment like age, associated other diseases lke high blood pressure, osteoporosis, heart disease etc. If the nodule is a hot nodule, i recommend radio active iodine treatment as the first choice unless the nodule is too big or if there are contraindications for radio active iodine. Hope this helps Regards Binu