Looking for a doctor who performs Ethanol Ablation on Nodules

[nalnk]

Can anyone help me with this?  I met with one doctor who said that I met his criteria.  I need to  have an iodine uptake scan done which i have scheduled for Dec. 22 09.  He will review and decide if he wants to perform this procedure on me.  Seems like he would be happier to remove my thyroid than to ablate it.  Therefore, I wanted some options.  Can someone help me please.  I live in Central New Jersey.

[stella5349]

thanks for the update.

Good Luck

[nalnk]

I met with the surgeon who performs PEI.  I had to do all sorts of tests over the last few weeks... Iodine uptake scans, taking pictures of my thyroid nodules to test whether they are hot or cold, etc....  I met the surgeons very strict criteria to perform PEI.  I am scheduled for Feb. 24. for the procedure.

[ChitChatNine]

In our Health Pages and also on Dr.Lupo's forum there is a question about this procedure where he answered it in depth!  Pls. ck our health pages and do a search and maybe you'll find it.

Welcome!!!

C~

[stella5349]

Do you have the ultra sound report that you could share here?

[nalnk]

Also, since 2001, I have had FNA's done and there are no malignancies...

[nalnk]

I have met with a surgeon in Monmouth County that does perform this procedure.  He says that I fall into his very, very strict criteria to have the procedure done.  Even before he gives his final approval, he will look at my iodine uptake scan.  We have an appt. scheduled to review in January where he will still make a determination.     I would guess that so far, from a physical exam and ultrasound in the office that I had in oct.  he thinks i am a candidate so far form what he sees.

[skeeterknitwit]

Here are some other things to consider when making your decision.
PEI can take several treatments to be successful.
The volume of ethanol used is 75% to 100% of the volume of the nodule treated.  So if the nodule is large, there could be a risk of the ethanol leaking out into neck structures.  This can permanently damage your larangeal nerve and change your voice forever.

These are the reasons that I was denied PEI.  My Dr. said NO WAY!

[stella5349]

depending on the nodule growth and type of nodules, PEI may not be an option.

[blsdnsvd]

Since you are having a scan soon, the results should detemine whether or not removal is in question...Also, and fna (fine needle biopsy) should be performed to diagnose any abnormal cells. Then, you should make your consideration.