Is radioactive iodine the same as radiation?

Radioactive iodine therapy is a type of internal radiotherapy treatment for thyroid cancer. It can also help to diagnose and treat some other cancers and conditions. Radioactive iodine is a type of iodine that is radioactive – iodine 131 (I-131). It is also called radio iodine.

Is radioactive iodine treatment considered radiation?

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.

What type of radiation is radioactive iodine?

The most widely used iodine radioisotope, iodine-131, emits radiation in the form of medium energy gamma rays and beta particles, which disrupts molecules in cells and deposits energy in tissues, causing damage.

How much radiation do you get from radioactive iodine?

The measured radiation dose to all household members ranged from 0.01 mSv to 1.09 mSv (mean, 0.24 mSv) (Figure 1 and Table 1). The dose to household pets was of similar magnitude, ranging from 0.02 to 1.11 mSv (mean, 0.37 mSv). The measured radiation in the patients' homes was greatest in their bedrooms (Table 1).

Does iodine contain radiation?

Potassium iodide (KI) is a type of iodine that is not radioactive and can be used to help block one type of radioactive material, radioactive iodine (I-131), from being absorbed by the thyroid.

The risks of radioactive iodine treatment in thyroid cancer

What are the long term side effects of radioactive iodine?

Is radioactive iodine harmful?

People who have had RAI therapy may have a slightly increased risk of developing leukemia, stomach cancer, and salivary gland cancer in the future. Doctors disagree on exactly how much this risk is increased, but most of the largest studies have found that this is an extremely rare complication.

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.

Does radioactive iodine affect your 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.

How long do you have to be in isolation after radioactive iodine?

You are also required to self isolate for 7 days after your radioiodine treatment in order to minimise the risk of contracting COVID-19 whilst there is still a large amount of radioactivity in your body. A small proportion of people with COVID-19 may become very unwell and require admission to hospital.

Is it safe to be around someone after radioactive iodine treatment?

Keep Your Distance

Here are some ways to minimize radiation risks to other people (and pets) after you have had RAI treatment: Stay at least six feet away from other people, including members of the public, family members, and co-workers, for three to 11 days.

Can radioactive iodine cause other cancers?

Patients treated with radioactive iodine also have an increased risk of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), stomach cancer, and salivary gland cancer.

How will I feel after radioactive iodine?

Most people don't feel different after treatment. But a few people may have nausea. Within a few days after treatment, the radioactive iodine will leave your body in your urine and saliva. How long it takes will depend on your age and on the dose you received.

Can your thyroid grow back after radioactive iodine treatment?

RAI therapy is administered as a single dose or multiple doses over months to achieve remission. The endpoint of successful treatment is sustained hypothyroidism or occasionally euthyroidism. Once hypothyroidism has been achieved, it is usually irreversible with the patient requiring lifelong thyroid replacement.

Will I 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.

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.

Which is better thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine?

Surgery for hyperthyroidism was associated with a lower risk of all-cause and cardiovascular death as compared to radioactive iodine therapy during long-term follow-up, particularly in men.

Can Covid trigger thyroid problems?

COVID-19 has been suggested to trigger the activation of pre-existing thyroid disease or autoimmunity. Furthermore, patients with uncontrolled thyrotoxicosis are at risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection-related consequences.

Where do you stay after radioactive iodine treatment?

How does no thyroid affect the body?

If you don't have enough thyroid hormone, your body processes slow down. That means your body makes less energy, and your metabolism becomes sluggish.

Can you survive without a thyroid and no medication?

Aside from having your thyroid levels tested regularly and taking medication daily to give your body the thyroid hormone it needs, people without a thyroid live an otherwise normal life. Adjusting to life without your thyroid means taking medication and checking in with your doctor. Most people adjust easily.

What can you not do after radioactive iodine treatment?

Do not share cups, glasses, plates or eating utensils. Wash items promptly after using. Other people may use items after they are washed. Do not share towels or washcloths.

Does radioactive iodine affect eyes?

Radioactive iodine therapy can make thyroid eye disease worse, with increased risk in patients with pre-existing significant eye symptoms and those who smoke, have severe hyperthyroidism or high serum TSH-receptor antibody levels (the cause of Graves' disease).

What is the cost of radioactive iodine treatment?

The fee for radioiodine therapy ranges from $1,685 - $1,910, depending on how much drug is required to treat each patient (which also factors into the required length of hospitalization in the nuclear ward).

Does radioactive iodine shrink 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.