what are the risk of cancer from thyroid storm after radioactive iodine treatment

Findings from a study of patients who received radioactive iodine

(RAI) treatment for hyperthyroidism show an association between the dose of treatment and long-term risk of death from solid cancers, including breast cancer.

Full Answer

Does radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism increase cancer risk?

Findings from a study of patients who received radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment for hyperthyroidism show an association between the dose of treatment and long-term risk of death from solid cancers, including breast cancer.

How does radioactive iodine treatment affect the lungs?

Some people need to have repeated radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer that has spread to the lungs. Very rarely, they may develop problems with their lungs. The treatment makes the lung tissue less stretchy. This is called radiation fibrosis, and can make it harder to breathe. Your doctors will keep an eye on your lung function.

Can hyperthyroidism treatments increase cancer risk?

New study findings show an association between the dose of a common treatment for hyperthyroidism and risk of death from solid cancers.

Can radioactive iodine affect my ability to have children?

In women, radioactive iodine treatment should not affect the ability to have children, even if you need to have repeated treatments. Some women may have irregular periods after treatment. Men who need to have repeated treatment with radioactive iodine may have lower sperm counts and lower testosterone levels.

Is there a risk of cancer following radioactive iodine therapy for hyperthyroidism?

Findings from a study of patients who received radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment for hyperthyroidism show an association between the dose of treatment and long-term risk of death from solid cancers, including breast cancer.

Can you get thyroid cancer after radioactive iodine treatment?

“Previous studies have consistently linked radioactive iodine therapy for thyroid cancer with an increased risk of leukemia about 2 years after exposure,” Pasqual told Healio.

What are the long term side effects of radioactive iodine for hyperthyroidism?

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.

Can I-131 cause cancer?

Exposure to I-131 can increase the risk of thyroid cancer. It is thought that risk is higher for people who have had multiple exposures and for people exposed at a younger age. But even among people who have documented exposures to I-131, few develop this cancer.

Does radioactive iodine treatment 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.

How many times can you have radioactive iodine treatment?

You may only need to have this treatment once. But it can be repeated every 3 months if needed, until there is no sign of any thyroid cancer on your scans.

What is the most common complication of radioiodine therapy?

Risks and side effectsNeck tenderness and swelling.Nausea and vomiting.Swelling and tenderness of the salivary glands.Dry mouth.Taste changes.

How long does radioactive iodine last?

How long does radioiodine stay in your body? The radioiodine from your treatment will remain in your body temporarily. Most of the radioiodine not collected by your residual thyroid tissue will be eliminated during the first two days after your treatment.

Does radioactive iodine affect immune system?

Treatment of Graves' disease patients with radioactive iodide (RAI) can induce two therapeutically important alterations in immune response to thyroid antigens. These may be characterized as a first response and a second phase response.

What cancers are linked to thyroid cancer?

People who have or had thyroid cancer can get any type of second cancer, but they have an increased risk of developing:Breast cancer (in women)Prostate cancer.Kidney cancer.Adrenal cancer.

How Long Does It Take I-131 to decay completely?

The majority of I-131 will be eliminated from the human body in 3–5 days, through natural decay, and through excretion in sweat and urine. Smaller amounts will continue to be released over the next several weeks, as the body processes thyroid hormones created with the I-131.

What is the difference between i 123 and I-131?

What is radioactive iodine (rai)? Iodine, in the form of iodide, is made into two radioactive isotopes that are commonly used in patients with thyroid diseases: I-123 (harmless to thyroid cells) and I-131 (destroys thyroid cells.

When was the thyrotoxicosis follow up study?

The new findings are from a long-term follow-up study of a large cohort of people with hyperthyroidism (mainly Graves’ disease) who were treated with radiation between 1946 and 1964 , the Cooperative Thyrotoxicosis Therapy Follow-up Study.

How many people have hyperthyroidism?

According to the researchers, in the United States, about 1.2% of the population has hyperthyroidism, and women are much more likely to develop the condition than men. Therefore, the findings for breast cancer mortality are particularly relevant for the large population of women treated for hyperthyroidism, Dr. Kitahara said.

What is the National Cancer Institute?

About the National Cancer Institute (NCI): NCI leads the National Cancer Program and NIH’s efforts to dramatically reduce the prevalence of cancer and improve the lives of cancer patients and their families, through research into prevention and cancer biology, the development of new interventions, and the training and mentoring of new researchers.

Which organ absorbs radiation?

Most of the radiation is absorbed by the thyroid gland, but other organs like the breast and stomach are also exposed during treatment. The researchers observed positive dose–response relationships between the dose absorbed by an organ and mortality from cancer at that site.

American Thyroid Association

Pasqual E, et al. OR-14. Presented at: American Thyroid Association Annual Meeting; Sept. 30-Oct. 3, 2021 (virtual meeting).

Increased cancer risk observed decades after radioactive iodine treatment

Pasqual E, et al. OR-14. Presented at: American Thyroid Association Annual Meeting; Sept. 30-Oct. 3, 2021 (virtual meeting).

How does radioactive iodine therapy work?

It is taken as a pill, absorbed in the stomach and carried in the blood to the thyroid, where it is taken up into the overactive thyroid cells. The radiation then causes destruction of the overactive thyroid tissue.

What is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism may be treated with antithyroid meds (Methimazole, Propylthiouracil), radioactive iodine or surgery. Graves’ disease: the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the United States.

What is the I-123 form?

I-123 is the non-destructive form that does not damage the thyroid and is used in scans to take pictures of the thyroid ( Thyroid Scan) or to take pictures of the whole body to look for thyroid cancer ( Whole Body Scan ). Table of Contents | PDF File for Saving and Printing.

Is iodine safe for hyperthyroidism?

While radioactive iodine is very useful in treating hyperthyroidism due to Graves’ disease, other treatments are available such as antithyroid drugs or surgery. Therefore, it is important to consider whether there is any potential harm from the radiation exposure. A number of studies have been done to look for any association between radioactive ...

How long after radioactive iodine treatment can you take thyroid medicine?

Your nurse will tell you when you should start to take them again. Usually, this is 2 to 3 days after your treatment.

How long after iodine treatment should you follow safety precautions?

You will need to follow safety precautions for a few days after your radioactive iodine treatment. This is to protect others from the radiation. The advice about precautions varies for different people and for different hospitals. Talk to your doctor or specialist nurse.

How long after iodine treatment can you go home?

After radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer. Having radioactive iodine treatment means you will be radioactive for several days afterwards. You will be able to go home from hospital when the radiation level in your body is at a safe level.

How long does it take for thyroxine to work?

Usually, this is 2 to 3 days after your treatment. You will need to take thyroxine tablets to replace the hormones that your thyroid gland normally makes. Your doctors will want to keep your thyroid hormones at a slightly higher level than you would normally need.

How to get rid of radiation in your body?

For a few weeks you will need to use your own towel and keep your cutlery and plates away from others until washed. Continue to flush the toilet twice and wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet.

How to avoid radiation?

If you live or work with other people, you will need to keep a distance from them. Avoid standing or sitting close to them. This stops them from getting radiation from you.

Can radioactive iodine cause neck pain?

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. Rarely, people can feel pain in their neck.

What are the symptoms of radiation?

The most commonly reported symptoms include swelling and tenderness of the salivary glands, dry mouth, increased dental cavities and excess tearing due to tear duct obstructions.

Is radioactive iodine safe for thyroid cancer?

For many years, radioactive iodine was a standard treatment for most thyroid cancer patients -- until outcomes data cautioned that a less aggressive approach might be appropriate for those outside of the highest-risk categories.

What is the treatment for hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism may be treated with antithyroid meds (Methimazole, Propylthiouracil), radioactive iodine or surgery. Graves’ disease: the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the United States. It is caused by antibodies that attack the thyroid and turn it on. Radioactive iodine (RAI): this plays a valuable role in diagnosing ...

What is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism?

Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Radioactive iodine therapy has been available as a treatment option for patients with hyperthyroidism since the 1940s. While very high doses of radioactive iodine (>400 mCi) have been associated with increasing the risk for cancer, the relatively low doses typically used ...

How long can you live after iodine treatment?

You can expect to live a fairly normal life after radioactive iodine treatment but your life will probably not be exactly as it was before your procedure. For most people, this means that you can expect to live at 80-90% of your 'normal'.

How long does radioactive iodine affect sperm count?

Important to men is the fact that radioactive iodine can cause short-term reductions in sperm count for up to 2 years after your procedure (8). This may or may not be important to you based on your age, your gender, and whether or not fertility is something you are interested in but, again, it's worth knowing about.

How to avoid weight gain after RAI?

Your best bet to AVOID weight gain after RAI is to go into your procedure with a normal weight and to maintain a healthy lifestyle both before and after. Just realize that you will always be in a 'sensitive' category and you will be more likely to gain weight compared to people with their thyroid intact. #3.

What happens if you destroy your thyroid gland?

And, if you destroy your thyroid gland, it turns out that that may have consequences on your metabolism. Anectodally, you've probably already heard stories about people gaining weight after their procedure.

Can you survive after RAI?

You can obviously survive after RAI (otherwise they wouldn't do the procedure) but I want to teach you how to thrive afterward. And to key to getting there is to understand what happens to your body after this procedure and how it influences your thyroid function.

Can you take a thyroid pill every day?

There's no way for doctors to give you a pill once a day and for that pill to perform the exact same function that your thyroid gland does every minute of every day. Because of this, people may experience symptoms which may lead them to want to restore whatever thyroid function they can.

Does RAI cause weight gain?

Many clinical studies have also confirmed that weight gain after RAI is a real risk. The good news is that not every single person who gets RAI will necessarily gain weight. But it does increase your risk of weight gain if you have the procedure by about 2 to 3 times.