Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in the Thyroid Patients of a Head and Neck Practice

Objective. To investigate the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among patients being investigated for thyroid nodules in a head and neck oncology practice. Subsequently, to determine whether the common therapies used were likely to interfere with the planned patient’s care and whether the predominance was significant to warrant inclusion in routine history assessments. Study Design. Cross-sectional survey. Setting. Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Subjects and Methods. A survey regarding CAM use was completed by 100 patients being investigated for thyroid nodules upon their initial presentation to a head and neck oncology practice. Results. Preliminary results showed that 79% of participants have a history of CAM use and 51% of participants were actively using oral supplements. Thirty-one percent of participants reported using supplements known to have hemostasis-affecting properties. Conclusion. Medical professionals should incorporate CAM questioning in any thyroid patient assessment to reduce patient risk and optimize medical and surgical outcomes.