What is radioactive iodine treatment?
Radioactive Iodine Treatment. The thyroid gland needs iodine to produce thyroid hormones. The follicular cells of the thyroid have channels or pores to actively absorb iodine for making thyroid hormone. Radioactive iodine takes advantage of the fact that thyroid cells and thyroid cancer cells absorb iodine; therefore,...
What kind of Doctor does radioactive iodine treatment?
Your doctor, typically an endocrinologist, may recommend radioactive iodine treatment to treat thyroid cancer or an overactive thyroid gland, also called hyperthyroidism and Graves’ disease. Who performs radioactive iodine treatment? The following types of doctors determine the type and dose of oral radioactive iodine used in treatments:
What precautions should be taken with radioactive iodine therapy?
What precautions should be taken with radioactive iodine therapy? Women who are pregnant or nursing should not receive RAI therapy. Pregnancy should be delayed at least six to 12 months after RAI treatment for thyroid cancer. Breast feeding should be stopped at least six weeks before RAI and should not be resumed.
How do I get Ready for thyroid radioactive iodine treatment?
After those tests, you’ll see your doctor and get a thyrotropin alfa (Thyrogen ®) injection (shot) to help you get ready for your treatment. This injection will help any leftover thyroid tissue absorb the radioactive iodine.
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Where do they inject radioactive iodine?
The radioiodine I-131 is swallowed in a single capsule or liquid dose and is quickly 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.
Do I have to stay in hospital for radioactive iodine?
Having radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer. Radioactive iodine treatment takes place in the hospital. You usually stay there for a few days until your radiation levels have fallen to a safe level. You will be looked after in a single room, where you stay alone.
How long do you stay in the hospital after radioactive iodine treatment?
Most people are in the hospital for 1 night. Your doctor will tell you if you need to stay longer. You'll have another whole-body scan several days after your treatment. This helps your doctor see where the dose of radioactive iodine was taken up in your body.
How much does it cost for radioactive iodine treatment?
A radioactive iodine treatment costs about $390 to $750 for an average dose, according to a February 2011 article[1] published in the New England Journal of Medicine, but patients at ThyroidBoard.com report[2] total costs of $4,000 or more, including hospital and radiologist fees.
Is radioactive iodine treatment painful?
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. Rarely, people can feel pain in their neck.
Can you go home after radioactive iodine treatment?
The radiation safety physicist will tell you when you can go back to work. This is usually 1 to 2 days after your treatment depending on what kind of work you do, and how close you'll be to other people.
Do you gain weight after radioactive iodine treatment?
Treatment of hyperthyroidism with RAI or anti-thyroid medications is associated with an increased risk of gaining weight and even developing obesity. This risk is slightly higher with RAI therapy compared to medications.
Do you have to isolate after radiation treatment?
The radiation travels a very short distance, so the effects are mostly to the tumor. However, you may have to limit contact with other people for up to one week after treatment. It is especially important to avoid close contact with children and women who are pregnant.
Do you lose your hair with radioactive iodine treatment?
Radioiodine does not cause hair loss.
WHO removes thyroid nodules?
Thyroid surgery is performed by otolaryngologists or general surgeons. So, what are the differences between the two specialties of general surgery and otolaryngology with regards to thyroid surgery?
Can radioactive iodine shrink thyroid nodules?
Radioactive iodine. Doctors use radioactive iodine to treat hyperthyroidism. Taken as a capsule or in liquid form, radioactive iodine is absorbed by your thyroid gland. This causes the nodules to shrink and signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism to subside, usually within two to three months.
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 IS RADIOACTIVE IODINE (RAI)?
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 and take pictures of the size and location of thyroid tissues. 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 iodine, not the iodine itself. RAI is given by mouth in pill or liquid form.
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.
WHEN IS RAI USED FOR TREATMENT OF THYROID DISORDERS?
I-131 may occasionally cause mild pain in the neck that can be treated with aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen. The RAI treatment may take up to several months to have its effect. Frequently, the end result of RAI treatment of hyperthyroidism is hypothyroidism, which is treated by thyroid hormone replacement (see Hypothyroidism brochure ).
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 thyroid?
In general, RAI is a safe and effective treatment for the thyroid disorders mentioned above. 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. Loss of taste and dry mouth due to salivary gland damage may be seen. The use of lemon drops, vitamin C or sour stimulation to potentially decrease the exposure of the salivary glands to RAI is controversial and should be discussed with your physician. Importantly, once you have been treated with RAI, regular medical follow-up is lifelong.
Is 131-I radiation safe?
Although the treatments with 131-I are generally safe, RAI produces radiation so patients must do their best to avoid radiation exposure to others, particularly to pregnant women and young children. The amount of radiation exposure markedly decreases as the distance from the patient increases. Patients who need to travel in the days after I-131 RAI treatment are advised to carry a letter of explanation from their physician. This is because radiation detection devices used at airports or in federal buildings may pick up even very small radiation levels. Details should be discussed with a physician prior to, and at the time of, the RAI treatment.
DOES RAI FOR THYROID IMAGING PROVIDE THE BEST RESULTS?
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, although it is rarely used due to the harmful effects it has on thyroid cells.
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).
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
How long before radioactive iodine is given?
Patients are placed on a low-iodine diet two weeks prior to receiving radioactive iodine. This makes them iodine-deficient and increases the chance that the thyroid cells will absorb the radioactive iodine dose.
Why is radioactive iodine used in thyroid cancer?
Radioactive iodine takes advantage of the fact that thyroid cells and thyroid cancer cells absorb iodine; therefore, it has been used to diagnose or treat various thyroid ...
What is RAI used for?
RAI is then absorbed by the thyroid cells and can be used to diagnose or treat thyroid problems. I-131 is commonly used to treat thyroid disorders, such as hyperthyroidism, through RAI ablation (medically destroying the thyroid gland without surgery). In addition, large doses of I-131 are used to destroy thyroid cancer cells, ...
What is the purpose of RAI remnant ablation?
The goal of RAI remnant ablation treatment is to kill any remaining thyroid cells. This is important for several reasons:
What is the radioactive isotope of iodine?
A radioactive isotope (RAI) is a substance that gives off radiation. RAI is given by mouth, in pill or liquid form.
What is the treatment for thyroid cancer?
For patients with thyroid cancer, we use RAI to destroy the remaining thyroid cells after surgery — a treatment called remnant ablation.
Can you avoid RAI radiation?
In some cases, where a child does not have any evidence of remaining disease, we can avoid RAI completely.
What is radioactive iodine treatment?
Radioactive iodine treatment uses radioactive iodine medication to treat thyroid cancer or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). The thyroid gland efficiently absorbs and concentrates iodine. Once in the thyroid, radioactive iodine destroys thyroid cancer cells, as well as the thyroid. Radioactive iodine treatment, also called radioiodine therapy or I-131 treatment, is available in a capsule or liquid form.
How is radioactive iodine treatment performed?
Radioactive iodine treatment involves swallowing a prescribed dose of radioactive iodine in a capsule or liquid form. The thyroid efficiently absorbs and concentrates iodine from foods that contain iodine, such as iodized salt, as well as radioactive iodine. Once in the thyroid, radioactive iodine destroys thyroid tissue and thyroid cancer cells.
What type of doctor uses radioactive iodine?
The following types of doctors determine the type and dose of oral radioactive iodine used in treatments: Nuclear medicine doctors specialize in using radioactive materials to diagnose disease and guide treatment plans. Nuclear radiologists specialize in using imaging technologies and radioactive materials to diagnose and treat disease.
What is thyroid hormone therapy?
Thyroid hormone therapy uses drugs to prevent your body from making thyroid hormones or blocks their action to stop cancer cells from growing.
What is the treatment for thyroid cancer?
Chemotherapy uses medications to slow or stop the growth of thyroid cancer cells. External radiation therapy uses X-ray beams to kill thyroid cancer cells. Surgery removes an overactive thyroid gland.
How long do you have to stay in a hospital for radiation?
You may need to stay in a special room in the hospital for a few days to avoid exposing others to radiation. This will depend on the dose of radioactive iodine and other factors. You will need to take special precautions at home for a short time to protect others from radiation exposure.
What is nuclear radiology?
Nuclear radiologists specialize in using imaging technologies and radioactive materials to diagnose and treat disease.
What organs use iodine?
The thyroid uses iodine from the diet to make thyroid hormone and is one of the few organs that will take up iodine. Radioactive iodine (RAI) is a radioactive form of iodine that can be used to either scan or ablate (i.e. destroy) thyroid cells. Radioactive iodine has been used safely in medicine since the 1920's.
Why do we use radioactive substances?
A minimal amount of radioactive substance is used, in order to avoid damaging the thyroid gland. Pictures of the thyroid gland are then obtained at varying time periods (hours to days) after the ingestion of these substances (either in pill or liquid form).
How long does it take for rai to work?
A single dose of RAI is typically given in pill form. Occasionally, 10%, a second dose of radioactive iodine is needed. Only a few percent of people fail this second dose and require surgery to remove the overactive thyroid gland. RAI ablation takes several months in order to have its full effect, although symptoms usually improve ...
How does rai ablation work?
RAI ablation cures hyperthyroidism by destroying the hyperactive thyroid cells. The goal of RAI ablation for hyperthyroidism is to destroy the thyroid and make the patient hypothyroid (i.e. no functioning thyroid tissue). For this reason, patients will require thyroid hormone replacement pills. A single dose of RAI is typically given in pill form. Occasionally, 10%, a second dose of radioactive iodine is needed. Only a few percent of people fail this second dose and require surgery to remove the overactive thyroid gland. RAI ablation takes several months in order to have its full effect, although symptoms usually improve after about four weeks. Additional anti-thyroid medications and beta-blockers may be necessary to control hyperthyroidism during this initial time period.
Why do you need RAI ablation?
destroy) thyroid cells. The two main reasons for RAI ablation are hyperthyroidism and treatment for thyroid cancer.
What is the goal of a thyroid scan?
The goal of the scan is to see if there is any remaining normal thyroid tissue (i.e. remnant) or metastatic disease. Even with a total thyroidectomy by an expert surgeon, there is usually a small remnant of thyroid tissue left behind.
How is RAI administered?
RAI is administered by mouth and images are taken to determine where in the thyroid or other parts of the body the RAI is being taken up. This testing provides information not only about the size and shape of the thyroid gland, but also about its function.