Fact 5. Alternatives to Partial Thyroidectomy: The Other Routes
A partial thyroidectomy is not the only treatment option for thyroid disorders. Depending on the type and severity of your condition, alternative treatments might be considered.
Radioactive iodine therapy is a common treatment for hyperthyroidism and certain types of thyroid cancer. It works by taking advantage of the thyroid gland’s need for iodine, a mineral the gland uses to produce thyroid hormones. The radioactive iodine, taken orally, goes straight to the thyroid gland, where it gradually destroys the overactive thyroid cells.
For small thyroid nodules, thyroid hormone suppression therapy can be an effective alternative. This treatment uses levothyroxine, a synthetic form of the T4 hormone, to suppress the pituitary gland’s release of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which in turn reduces the size of the nodules.
Sometimes, a wait-and-see approach might be the best route, especially for small, benign thyroid nodules. Regular monitoring of the nodules through ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration biopsies, coupled with symptom management, can be a prudent strategy in such cases. (5)
