What principle supports the treatment of hyperthyroidismwith radioactive iodine
Iodine
Iodine is a chemical element with the symbol I and atomic number 53. The heaviest of the stable halogens, it exists as a lustrous, purple-black non-metallic solid at standard conditions that melts to form a deep violet liquid at 114 degrees Celsius, and boils to a violet gas at 184 degrees Celsius. …
Full Answer
What are the long term side effects of radioactive iodine?
Treatment of hyperthyroidism with RAI has been performed for more than a half century with efficacy and safety. For its optimal use, the physician must employ appropriate patient selection criteria and clinical judgment concerning pretreatment patient preparation. The dose of the 131I needed remains …
What are the side effects of radioactive iodine therapy?
The thyroid gland needs iodine to make these hormones. 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 to expect after radioactive iodine treatment?
Radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism. Radioactive iodine has been used as a treatment for thyroid disorders, most commonly hyperthyroidism, goitres and thyroid cancer since the 1940s. We have a range of general information to help you understand more about this treatment, how it is used and how safe it is.
Is iodine crucial or harmful for hypothyroidism treatment?
Radioactive Iodine Treatment for Hyperthyroidism. Radioactive Iodine Treatment for Hyperthyroidism . The thyroid gland, located at the front of your neck, makes hormones that control your metabolism—the way your body uses energy.Hyperthyroidism, also called overactive thyroid, occurs when your thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone.
What is the mechanism of action of radioactive iodine in the treatment of Graves disease?
When a small dose of radioactive iodine I-131 (an isotope of iodine that emits radiation) is swallowed, it is absorbed into the bloodstream. The isotope is concentrated by the thyroid gland, where it begins destroying the gland's cells.
How does iodine prevent hyperthyroidism?
In hyperthyroid patients, iodine acutely inhibits hormonal secretion [1], but the responsible mechanisms are uncertain. This is the most acute effect of iodine on thyroid status, occurring within hours of the start of therapy.Sep 9, 2020
How does radioactive thyroid treatment work?
Radioactive iodine enters your bloodstream and is taken up by any thyroid- like cells. The radioactivity destroys the cancer cells. The radioactive iodine gives off radiation nearby and destroys the cancer cells over time.Aug 19, 2020
How is iodine used in the diagnosis and treatment of hyperthyroidism?
The amount of radioactive iodine taken up by the thyroid gland helps determine if Graves' disease or another condition is the cause of the hyperthyroidism. This test may be combined with a radioactive iodine scan to show a visual image of the uptake pattern.
What is the purpose of administering iodine solution prior to thyroid surgery and what is the mechanism of action of this medicine?
Most surgeons administer iodine (as Lugol solution or saturated solution of potassium iodide to provide ≥30 mg of iodine/d) for 10 days before surgery to decrease thyroid gland vascularity, the rate of blood flow, and intraoperative blood loss during thyroidectomy.Apr 17, 2020
How can I protect my thyroid from radiation?
Potassium iodide (KI) is a salt that can help protect you from radioactive iodine. Your thyroid gland is the part of your body that's most sensitive to radioactive iodine. Potassium iodide can help block your thyroid from absorbing radioactive iodine if you are exposed to it.Mar 18, 2022
How is radioactive iodine treatment performed?
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. You will be prompted to drink lots of water after taking the pill to flush the remaining radioactive iodine out of your system.Sep 8, 2020
How is radioiodine therapy done?
Radioiodine therapyYou will swallow radioiodine in the form of capsules (pills) or a liquid.Your thyroid will absorb most of the radioactive iodine.The nuclear medicine team may do scans during your treatment to check where the iodine has been absorbed.More items...•Oct 2, 2020
What is the purpose of radioactive iodine treatment?
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.Mar 14, 2019
What are the treatment options for hyperthyroidism?
Possible treatments include:Radioactive iodine. Taken by mouth, radioactive iodine is absorbed by your thyroid gland, where it causes the gland to shrink. ... Anti-thyroid medications. ... Beta blockers. ... Surgery (thyroidectomy).Nov 14, 2020
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.
When should breast feeding be stopped?
Breast feeding should be stopped at least six weeks before RAI and should not be resumed. In the days immediately following your RAI therapy, be aware of these general precautions to prevent radioactive exposure to others.
What is a tracer used for?
A “tracer” dose of radioactive iodine can also be used to track remaining thyroid tissue and/or cancer that could have spread to other parts of the body. These tests show if iodine concentrates in areas that contain thyroid cancer, and whether large amounts of RAI are needed to destroy the tumor implants.
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.