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Thyroid mass, cystic components
I noticed a left thyroid mass May 2019. The ultrasound on July 9 comments were that there is a predominantly solid left thyroid mass with some cystic components measuring 5.4 x 3.4 cm. There is a 12 mm cystic solid mass in the interpolar region on the right side. On August 9, a needle biopsy was carried out of this mass and was described as a follicular lesion of undetermined significance. TSH level was 1.65 mU/L, T4 Free 12.0 pmol/L, T3 Free 4.9 pmol/L on Sept 9. I am told that at minimum I will require a lobectomy. Is this the only option, or is it possible to shrink the mass in some other way by way of diet?
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I read about diets that help prevent cancer but I have never read about diets to shrink growth, yet. My understanding of immunotherapy is that it builds up the immune system to prevent unwanted cancerous growth. Radiation kills cells and growths, and it is targeted to certain spots. Surgery removes a dangerous mass. We are having a conversation here, as I don't really have the answers to our issues. I believe that garlic and onions, which the oriental medicine people promote, helps build up the immune system to prevent disease and illnesses. I learned in animal science that stress in young cattle causes pneumonia like symptoms. As the years go by, I find myself in better health than some of my friends my age, so I believe in all the supposedly little things we do to help keep us alive and feeling better than if we didn't eat right and exercise, get a good night's sleep, and avoid emotional stress. I also believe we need to develop a few skills and hobbies and learn to love the people we live with as much as possible. Sounds simple, but it is not. I value my skills I learned at a young age. They lift my spirits and make me feel like a person of value. I never wanted to be Homecoming queen, and that never happened. Dorisena
There are a number of posts on the internet where people claim to have success by avoiding certain foods
Hi @ingineu, welcome to Connect. I agree with @dorisena. There is more evidence about diet helping to reduce the risk of getting cancer. There is some very early research looking at the anti-cancer abilities of certain foods. This detailed article from Healthline does a great job of outlining foods that help and the availability of research:
- Cancer and Diet 101: How What You Eat Can Influence Cancer https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cancer-and-diet
In this video Mayo expert, Dr. Dawn Mussallem, talks about cancer-fighting foods.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/cancer-fighting-foods/
Bottom line in my opinion is that diet alone cannot be relied on to reduce the mass found in your thyroid. But diet can help keep you healthy and help your recovery from surgery and reduce the risk of cancer.
Has the solid mass been identified as cancerous? Have you asked your doctor about possible alternatives to surgery?
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1 Reaction.I went to hear a doctor speak at Ohio State University on their research with black raspberries made into a powder and then reconstituted. It reduced the risk in men. He also spoke about tomato sauce and the research on reducing risk in men. They are doing the research with the Agriculture College and it is very complex. This doctor is a diet and exercise and nutrition guru. Of course I will be following their guidelines as I have gardened for 63 years and love the food that I can grow. It is doing some good. Dorisena
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1 ReactionThe first biopsy came back with no cancer. The surgeon wants a second one done just to confirm. And yes I did ask my doctor, basically I should do some research. Also, I believe the cause was a virus I had back in January as it appeared suddenly and it appears to be bloody.