What are the side effects of radioactive iodine therapy?
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. Appointments & Access.
What are the risks of radioactive iodine therapy?
Dec 04, 2020 · How successful is radioactive iodine treatment? Conclusion: Radioactive iodine treatment is an effective modality for definitive treatment of hyperthyroidism with long-term cure approaching 80%. What are the long term effects of radioactive iodine treatment?
What are the long term side effects of radioactive iodine?
To evaluate the effectiveness of radioactive iodine (131 I) therapy in patients with Graves' disease (GD) in Assiut University Hospital.We retrospectively evaluated two hundred and seven patients with GD, after their therapy with 131 I. Before therapy all the included patients underwent neck ultrasound, hormonal assay and 99m Technetium-pertechntate (99m Tc) thyroid scintigraphy …
How much does radioactive iodine treatment cost?
Nov 19, 2021 · Radioactive Iodine Iodine is essential for proper function of the thyroid gland, which uses it to make the thyroid hormones. The thyroid is equipped with an active system or “pump” for moving iodine into its cells, where it is concentrated as iodide. The thyroid gland is the only tissue in the body that takes up and holds onto iodine.
How effective is radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer?
Results: The total effective rate of 131I therapy of the current study was 87.9%. The recurrence rate was 12.1%. Of the real 141 thyroid cancer patients, 114 thyroid cancer patients were female (80.15%), and 27 patients were male (19.85%).
Can thyroid still function after radioactive iodine treatment?
Some patients will still require treatment with antithyroid medication for some weeks or months until the radioactive iodine has been effective and the overactivity has settled. Over two-thirds of those who have radioactive iodine treatment will develop hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid).Sep 11, 2019
Does radioactive iodine shorten your life?
Quality of life is worse at 6-10 years after radioactive iodine therapy of Graves' disease compared with treatment with antithyroid drugs or surgery. Quality of life is worse at 6-10 years after radioactive iodine therapy of Graves' disease compared with treatment with antithyroid drugs or surgery.
Can your thyroid come back after radioactive iodine?
Early recurrences are reported in 20–54% of cases within 3–6 months, which can be due to inadequate RAI treatment or early Marine Lenhart syndrome. True recurrence is relapse after an extended period of time following attainment of hypothyroidism.Sep 12, 2017
Do you still need iodine without a thyroid?
Iodine and hypothyroidism If you have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and are taking levothyroxine you do not have a functioning thyroid to absorb iodine and therefore you do not require iodine.Sep 19, 2019
Can radioactive iodine cause other cancers?
Patients treated with radioactive iodine also have an increased risk of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), stomach cancer, and salivary gland cancer.Jun 9, 2020
How long does it take to feel better after radioactive iodine?
The effect of this treatment on the thyroid gland usually takes between one and three months to develop. Maximum benefit occurs three to six months after treatment. Usually, a single dose is successful in treating hyperthyroidism.
Which is better radioactive iodine or surgery?
Surgery for hyperthyroidism was associated with a lower risk of all-cause and cardiovascular death as compared to radioactive iodine therapy during long-term follow-up, particularly in men.
Can you refuse radioactive iodine treatment?
When patients refuse RAI therapy, the harm associated with no treatment (as in thyroid cancer) also must be weighed and communicated to the patients. In many cases of GD, for example, the use of antithyroid medications or surgical subtotal thyroidectomy may provide appropriate therapy without the use of RAI.
Can you live without a thyroid?
Thyroid disease is common, and in some cases may require removal of your thyroid (thyroidectomy). Fortunately, you can live without your thyroid. You will need long-term thyroid hormone replacement therapy to give you the hormone your thyroid normally produces.
What are the long term side effects of radioactive iodine?
Possible long term side effects include:Ability to have children (fertility) Some women may have irregular periods after radioactive iodine treatment. ... Inflammation of the salivary glands (where spit is made) ... Tiredness. ... Dry or watery eyes. ... Lower levels of blood cells. ... Lung problems. ... Second cancers.May 24, 2021
What are the long term effects of radioactive iodine?
Longer-term complications include recurrent sialoadenitis associated with xerostomia, mouth pain, dental caries, pulmonary fibrosis, nasolacrimal outflow obstruction, and second primary malignancies. This article summarizes the common complications of RAI and methods to prevent and manage these complications.
How long does it take for iodine to flush out of the body?
Most patients need only one dose before their hyperthyroidism is resolved, which may take a few weeks to several months.
What is the treatment for thyroid cancer?
The most common types of thyroid cancer (papillary and follicular) can usually be treated with large doses of radioactive iodine. (The dosages of RAI are much higher than with hyperthyroidism treatment.) The therapy is usually given after removal of the thyroid gland to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue. A “tracer” dose of radioactive iodine can ...
How does RAI work?
The thyroid is the most efficient organ at concentrating iodine. RAI treats hyperthyroidism by damaging or destroying thyroid cells through radiation. RAI is taken in an oral capsule form. You don’t need to be hospitalized unless the dose is very high, which is rarely needed.
What are the side effects of RAI?
Temporary side effects of RAI may include: 1 Neck tenderness and swelling. 2 Nausea. 3 Swollen salivary glands. 4 Loss of taste or taste change. 5 Dry mouth/insufficient salivary production. 6 Dry eyes. 7 Excessive tearing from the eyes.
Is radioactive thyroid medicine safe?
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 . Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.
Can RAI cause hypothyroidism?
Permanent hypothy roidism (or underactive thyroid, when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones) is an expected side effect of RAI treatment for hyperthyroidism. Fortunately, hypothyroidism is much easier to treat than hyperthyroidism using hormone replacement therapy.
What is iodine used for?
Iodine, in the form of iodide, is made into two radioactive forms of iodine that are commonly used in patients with thyroid diseases: I-123 ( harmless to thyroid cells) and I-131 ( destroys thyroid cells ). The radiation emitted by each of these forms of iodine can be detected from outside the patient to gain information about thyroid function ...
Why is iodine important for the thyroid gland?
Iodine is essential for proper function of the thyroid gland, which use s it to make the thyroid hormones. The thyroid is equipped with an active system or “pump” for moving iodine into its cells, where it is concentrated as iodide. The thyroid gland is the only tissue in the body that takes up and holds onto iodine.
What is the I-123 isotope used for?
I-123 is the usual isotope used to take pictures and determine the activity of the intact thyroid gland ( Thyroid Scan and Radioactive Iodine Uptake, RAIU ), since it is harmless to thyroid cells. No special radiation precautions are necessary after a thyroid scan or RAIU using I-123. I-131 can also be used to take pictures of the thyroid gland, ...
What is the purpose of I-131?
THYROID CANCER – Large doses of I-131 are used to destroy thyroid cancer cells (see Thyroid Cancer brochure ). This is performed after the remaining thyroid cells ( including any cancer cells) are stimulated by raising TSH levels by either withdrawing the thyroid hormone pills or by treating with recombinant human TSH.
Is rai safe for X-rays?
RAI is safe to use in individuals who have had allergic reactions to seafood or X-ray contrast agents, since the reaction is to the compound containing io dine, not the iodine itself. RAI is given by mouth in pill or liquid form.
When can you stop breast feeding after I-131?
This protects the baby who would otherwise receive radioactive milk and the mother’s breasts which concentrate RAI. Breastfeeding must be stopped at least 6 weeks before administration of I-131 treatment and should not be restarted after administration of RAI, but can be safely done after future pregnancies.
Can RAI cause thyroid cancer?
Hypothyroidism is a common side effect of RAI for hyperthyroidism and always seen after RAI for thyroid cancer. This is usually easily treated with thyroid hormone replacement (see Hypothyroidism brochure ). Some studies suggest a slight increase in thyroid cancers may be seen after RAI treatment for hyperthyroidism.
How long does it take for thyroid to stop taking up radioactive iodine?
If you have too much iodine in your diet, it can stop the thyroid cells from taking up the radioactive iodine. Continue to follow this diet for 24 hours after your treatment is completed, or as instructed by your doctor. Read the resource for more information.
How long after radioactive iodine therapy can you get pregnant?
Pregnancy and radioactive iodine therapy. Don’t get pregnant or get your partner pregnant for at least 6 months after getting radioactive iodine therapy, or as long as your doctor tells you to. Use birth control after treatment for at least 6 months after getting this treatment.
What is the name of the service that takes up thyroid cells?
If you do, tell your doctor in Molecular Imaging and Therapy Service (MITS) before your treatment. This is sometimes called the Nuclear Medicine service. Radioactive iodine enters your bloodstream and is taken up by any thyroid- like cells. The radioactivity destroys the cancer cells.
How to treat thyrotropin alfa?
Your treatment plan will follow these steps that will take place over a few days: 1. On the first day, you’ll have blood tests. After those tests, you’ll see your doctor and get a thyrotropin alfa (Thyrogen ®) injection (shot) to help you get ready for your treatment.
Where does radioactive iodine leave the body?
Most of the extra radioactive iodine will leave your body through your urine (pee), and smaller amounts will leave your body in your saliva (spit), sweat, and bowel movements (poop).
Why does my mouth dry out after iodine?
Dry mouth. This is also caused by irritation or damage to your salivary glands. Dry mouth may happen if you’re taking a higher dose of radioactive iodine. Dry mouth can happen right after treatment, or it may happen for several months to a year after treatment.
What is the phone number for radiation?
Contact Information. If you have any questions about radiation safety, call 212-639-7391 Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you have an emergency after 5:00 pm, during the weekend, or on holidays, call your endocrine doctor, or go to urgent care or the nearest emergency room.
