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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Are Iodine Pills Advisable When Diagnosed With Thyroid Cancer?

Hi, I had thyroid Cancer five years ago, Papillary Carcinoma.....I had a thyroidectomy and eight lymph nodes removed due to metastasizing cancer.....my question is, is it safe to take iodine pills for water purification when camping etc.....as I do have my TSH levels checked every 6 months, because of taking Levothyroxine.....just wondered if it is safe, or would it elevate my iodine levels to the point of being unsafe?
posted on Thu, 21 Jan 2016
Twitter Mon, 16 Mar 2020 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 23 Mar 2020 Last reviewed on
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,

There are various schools of thoughts so far as iodine pills consumption is concerned in a patient with history of previous thyroid cancer. The iodine may induce changes in the system affecting antibodies stimulation which may be dormant from previous pathology. As there is no thyroid gland, iodination or tyrosination is of not concern, but the consumption of thyroid hormone with iodine may pause certain micro molecular changes as well. In a nutshell, in my opinion, use Chlorine against iodine to purity water rather than being remaining in dilemma about the adverse outcomes.

Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel, General Surgeon
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Are Iodine Pills Advisable When Diagnosed With Thyroid Cancer?

Hello, There are various schools of thoughts so far as iodine pills consumption is concerned in a patient with history of previous thyroid cancer. The iodine may induce changes in the system affecting antibodies stimulation which may be dormant from previous pathology. As there is no thyroid gland, iodination or tyrosination is of not concern, but the consumption of thyroid hormone with iodine may pause certain micro molecular changes as well. In a nutshell, in my opinion, use Chlorine against iodine to purity water rather than being remaining in dilemma about the adverse outcomes. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel, General Surgeon