Don't hesitate to seek 2nd opinion

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I know you're not a medical doctor, but I was hoping for some general guidance about the care my mother, who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, is receiving.

We are in a managed-care plan through my father's job, and I was hoping you might have some idea of how we could go about getting a second opinion to confirm her diagnosis and treatment plan. My friends have been telling me many different things, but my parents seem content with whatever the doctor says. Advice? - F.E., New York DEAR F.E.: I deeply sympathize with your situation. Getting a second opinion regarding diagnosis and treatment can be an important part of the approach to any complex medical situation.

Cancer is not a singular entity with consistent features. As such, the diagnosis of cancer can depend on interpretation of medical evidence, and indicators of any cancer's unique characteristics are not always clear-cut. Doctors can differ in their approaches; some are conservative, while others are more aggressive. And medical facilities can differ in their familiarity with and use of evolving technologies.

You should work with your parents to voice your concerns and verify that your mother's diagnosis and treatment strategy make medical sense. If you feel it is appropriate, raise the issue of getting a second opinion.

Most physicians will respect the request for a different set of eyes to review a case, and insurance may cover it. If possible, find a cancer center or a university-affiliated teaching hospital, ideally with faculty who have researched the type of thyroid cancer affecting your mother. The National Institutes of Health provides information on finding cancer centers and doctors at b.link/y55yveu. In addition, check the American Cancer Society's Cancer Survivors Network at b.link/yxhhe8q for discussions from other patients who have been down this road. My best to you and your family during this difficult period.

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I learned in school that riboflavin in milk is destroyed by light. If that is true, why is milk sold in clear containers? Am I wasting my money by paying more for milk in opaque containers? - S.T., Tulsa, Oklahoma DEAR S.T.: Milk is a perishable food, and exposure to natural or bright fluorescent light can destroy a percentage of riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin C and vitamin B6 and, over time, encourage the development of "off" flavors. Light intensity, duration of exposure and time away from refrigeration will determine how much these nutrients are affected.

A healthful diet should include nutrients from many sources, so minor losses from one food should not negate the nutritional value of that food. That said, storage in an opaque container, such as a paper carton, seems to be best in preserving milk's nutrients, while clear glass - while aesthetically pleasing, and recyclable - is not. Always check the product's date to be sure you are enjoying fresh milk. (Read more on food product dating at b.link/cbsr87.)

Ed Blonz, Ph.D., is a nutrition scientist and an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco. He is the author of the digital book "The Wellness Supermarket Buying Guide" (2012), which is also available as a free digital resource at blonz.com/guide.

Send questions to: "On Nutrition," Ed Blonz, c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. Send email inquiries to [email protected].

Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.