What are the risks of using iodine-131?
I-131 collects in the thyroid gland. People exposed to I-131, especially during childhood, may have an increased risk of thyroid disease, including thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer is uncommon and is usually curable.
How long does iodine stay in your system?
Most of the radioiodine not collected by your thyroid gland will be eliminated during the first two days after your treatment. It leaves the body primarily through your urine, but very small amounts may leave in your saliva, sweat and during a bowel movement.
What is the half-life of iodine-131?
Radioactive Iodine The 131I isotope has a half-life of 8 days and emits γ radiation and β particles. Given orally, it is concentrated in the thyroid, where the β particles destroy the gland.
How does iodine-131 cause thyroid cancer?
As iodine-131 builds up in the thyroid gland, it emits bursts of radiation that can damage DNA and other genetic material. Such damage can remove the normal limits to cell growth and division. Unchecked growth of thyroid tissue is thyroid cancer.
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.
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.
What is the half-life of iodine-131 if after 24 days?
The half-life of iodine-131 is 8 days. Since the half-life is 8 days, 24 days corresponds to 3 half-lives. After one half-life 5 mg are left; after two half-lives, 2.5 mg; and after 3 half-lives 1.25 mg remain. thyroid.
How iodine-131 can damage thyroid glands?
Radioactive iodine (I-131), an isotope of iodine that emits radiation, is used for medical purposes. When a small dose of I-131 is swallowed, it is absorbed into the bloodstream in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is concentrated from the blood by the thyroid gland, where it begins destroying the gland's cells.
How many half-lives are required to pass before a source is considered safe?
All nuclear reactors produce radioactive waste. The waste must be stored until it is safe for disposal. The rule is that a sample is safe after 10 half-lives.
Is Graves disease cured after radioactive iodine?
Most patients become hypothyroid following a single dose of I131, with a single dose of radioiodine resulting in long-term remission from Graves' disease in 79%. Of the patients who remained hyperthyroid after the first dose of radioiodine, all those treated with a second dose achieved remission.
What are the chances of getting cancer from radioactive iodine?
Young adults who received radioactive iodine therapy for differentiated thyroid cancer were at 92% increased risk for leukemia and 23% increased risk for any solid malignancies vs. those who did not receive radioactive iodine therapy.
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.