What does radioactive iodine do to the body?
Radioactive iodine is a medicine that you take one time. After you swallow it, it is taken up by your thyroid gland. Depending on the dosage used, the radioactivity in the iodine destroys most or all of the tissue in your thyroid gland, but it does not harm any other parts of your body.
Is radioactive iodine bad for you?
Radioactive iodine (RAI) is treatment for overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and certain types of thyroid cancer. The term “radioactive” may sound frightening, but it is a safe, generally well-tolerated, and reliable treatment that targets thyroid cells so there is little exposure to the rest of your body’s cells.
Why is radioactive iodine bad?
Both men and women who have had RAI therapy may have a slightly increased risk of developing leukemia, stomach cancer, and salivary gland cancer in the future. Doctors disagree on exactly how much this risk is increased, but most of the largest studies have found that this is an extremely rare complication.
Can thyroid grow back after radioactive iodine treatment?
In almost all cases, your thyroid hormone levels will return to normal or below normal after radioactive iodine treatment. This may take 8 to 12 weeks or longer.
How long does radioactive iodine stay in your body?
The radioiodine from your treatment will temporarily remain in your body. Most of the radioiodine not taken up by your thyroid gland will be eliminated within the first (2) two days after treatment. Radioiodine leaves your body primarily by your urine. Very small amounts may leave in your saliva, sweat, or feces.
How will I feel after radioactive iodine?
A swollen or tender neck and feeling flushed Some people may have a feeling of tightness or swelling in their neck for a few days after treatment. This is more common if you still had a large part of your thyroid gland when you have radioactive iodine treatment. Some people also feel flushed.
What are the dangers of radioactive iodine?
Radioactive iodine treatment can affect the bone marrow. This can cause a small drop in the number of blood cells. This usually doesn’t last long and should cause no problems. As well as radioactive iodine you might have external radiotherapy if the cancer has spread to the bones.
What are the long term effects of radioactive iodine?
Radioactive iodine is commonly used in the treatment of thyroid cancer. Long-term side effects of radioactive iodine treatment in thyroid cancer survivors may include damage to the salivary glands. Symptoms may include: dry mouth (xerostomia), pain or swelling in the glands (sialedenitis) and changes in taste.
When is radioactive iodine really necessary?
Radioactive iodine therapy helps people live longer if they have papillary or follicular thyroid cancer (differentiated thyroid cancer) that has spread to the neck or other body parts, and it is now standard practice in such cases.