Why is this procedure done?
Your thyroid gland is in the front of your neck. This gland helps control your metabolism. Problems with your thyroid gland can cause you to have too much thyroid hormone in your blood. This may give you signs like weight loss and a fast or irregular heartbeat. Some people have sweating and feel nervous or tired. ‚
Some problems with your thyroid are treated by a drug called radioactive iodine. It is a substance that makes radiation. Your thyroid gland absorbs or takes in the iodine. The radioactive iodine kills the thyroid tissue. It will also kill cancer cells in your thyroid. Killing the thyroid cells will stop or slow the amount of thyroid hormone. ‚
Radioactive iodine may be used to treat: ‚
- Hyperthyroidism
- Thyroid nodules that make too much thyroid hormone
- Thyroid cancer
What will the results be?
The procedure kills the thyroid cells and cancer cells without acting on other parts of the body. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
- If you are breast-feeding.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- When to stop taking anti-thyroid drugs.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order other tests.
- Your doctor may order a thyroid uptake test before treatment.
- Tell your doctor if you have had recent scans or x-rays that used iodine.
- You may need to stop taking your thyroid drugs before this treatment. Your doctor may also want you to avoid iodine. Ask your doctor when these should be stopped.
What happens during the procedure?
- Your doctor will give you capsules or a liquid that contains radioactive iodine.
- You will swallow the pill or liquid.
- The treatment takes about 1 hour.
What happens after the procedure?
Most often you are able to go home after taking the radioactive iodine. Sometimes you will stay in a special hospital room for 1 to 2 days. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your condition needs close monitoring. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor will need to check the levels of your thyroid.
- Your doctor will tell you if you need a second treatment.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Treat upset stomach and dizziness
- Replace your thyroid hormone
What problems could happen?
- Funny taste in your mouth that is like metal
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat or neck pain
- You will need to take a thyroid replacement for the rest of your life
- Upset stomach or throwing up
- Your glands that secrete saliva may become swollen and hurt
- Some people have dry eyes and may need to not wear contacts for awhile
- Some men may have problems having children
- Some women may have changes in their periods
Where can I learn more?
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/ThyroidCancer/OverviewGuide/thyroid-cancer-overview-treating-radioactive-iodine ‚
Cancer Research UK ‚
http://cancerhelp.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/radiotherapy/internal/types/radioactive-iodine-therapy ‚
RadiologyInfo.org ‚
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=radioiodine ‚
Thyroid Foundation of Canada ‚
http://www.thyroid.ca/e12a.php ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚