Radioactive iodine is a radiation-emitting iodine-based drug, mainly used for a treatment called iodine therapy, indicated in some cases by hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer. At lower doses, it can also be used to evaluate the functioning of the thyroid glands, in the gamma chart.
131 is the most commonly used in treatment, however, 123 is the best option to perform the test, which has the least effect and duration on the body. Special preparation is required to perform this type of thyroid procedure, which involves avoiding foods and medicines containing 2 weeks before.
- In addition.
- Precautions are necessary after the use of radioactive material.
- How to remain isolated for about 3 days and avoid any contact with other people.
- Especially children and people.
- So that drug levels decrease and the risk of contamination of others with their effect.
The use of radioactive iodine in medicine has 3 main indications
The radioactive drug can be used to treat hyperthyroidism, especially in Graves’ disease, and should be indicated when the patient is not taking medication, when he cannot use it for allergies, when he has serious adverse reactions to medications or when he needs more. definitive treatment of patients, such as those with heart disease. Like what.
How it works: Treatment with the radioactive agent works by causing intense inflammation of thyroid cells, followed by fibrosis of their tissues, which is responsible for reducing excess hormones produced.
After treatment, the person will continue the evaluations with the endocrinologist, who will accompany the functioning of the thyroid, if the treatment has been effective if the use of medicines is necessary. Learn the main ways to treat hyperthyroidism.
Treatment of radioactive thyroid cancer is indicated as a way to eliminate the remnants of cancer cells after thyroid removal, thus reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. In some cases, it can also be used to help eliminate the metastases and symptoms they produce.
How it works: The radioactive agent has a thyroid affinity, so it helps to find and remove cancer cells from this gland, using the variable used, calculated by the oncologist to be able to destroy these cells.
Learn more about symptoms that may indicate thyroid cancer, how they are diagnosed and how they are treated.
This is a test indicated by doctors to study the functioning of the thyroid glands, to look for diseases that can occur in this organ, especially when there is an unpleasant cancerous nodule that produces excess thyroid hormones.
How it works: To perform the test, if the person asks to eat a radioactive canteen (iodine 123 or iodine 131) with broth, the rest is generated in 2 steps, at 2 hours and at 24 hours. Radioactive iodine are low, the person can leave and operate normally during this period. Pregnant women who breastfeed should not pass this test.
For the treatment of radioactive treatment, certain precautions are necessary before surgery, including:
After taking the radioactive iodine tablet, the person falls with high doses of radioactivity to the body, which passes through the skin, or in and needs, as certain precautions are necessary to avoid transmitting radiation to others:
Dishes and buckets do not need to be washed separately and there is no need for special foods after taking radioactive water.
Some side effects that treatment with radioactive treatment can cause include nausea, swelling and abdominal pain, as well as pain in the salivary glands.
In the long term, the effect of the radioactive agent could cause hypothyroidism, and the use of medications is necessary to replace the lack of thyroid hormones. In addition, radioactive action can also damage the functioning of other glands in the body, such as the salivary and eye glands, causing, for example, dry mouth.