What is a radioactive iodine?
As a component of thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, iodine plays an important biological role in the body. Radioactive iodine is a form of iodine used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid becomes excessively active. This type of iodine is also used in the treatment of thyroid cancer. In both cases, the therapeutic iodine can be administered in the form of pills or as a liquid tasteless. The two main aspects of this treatment, which is so effective, are its simplicity and safety. Only one dose is required as a treatment for hyperthyroidism, which makes it extremely effective treatment. Regarding radiation therapy in general, the treatment of radioactive iodine is safe and has few side effects. This is because iodine uses only the thyroid gland and is not stored in other parts of the body. The radiation treatment, because the thyroid absorbs iodine from the bloodstream. Radioactive iodine is used in the same way as the non -radioactive thyroid iodine. The only difference is that the radioactive type emits the electricRony. When radioactive therapeutic iodine is absorbed by the thyroid, electrons that radiate, disrupt normal cellular function and reduce the amount of thyroid hormone. Therefore, the activity of the excessive gland of the thyroid gland is reduced to normal levels.
Radioactive therapeutic iodine works in a similar way in the treatment of thyroid cancer. Iodine concentrates in the thyroid gland where it kills cancer cells. This treatment is usually secondary therapy used after thyroid surgery to remove the thyroid gland. After the surgery is completed, the therapeutic iodine is administered to ensure that the remaining cancer cells are killed.
AUSE is highly targeted, even the most common side effects of radioactive iodine are relatively rare. One possible side effects is nausea that may persist several hours after treatment administration and may be reduced by avoiding food after timefor two or three hours before and after treatment. Throat may be for several days of pain; This can be treated with an over -the -counter pain medicine. Much rarely can the salivary glands swollen due to excess iodine present in the system.
The measure should be taken after a radioactive iodine to ensure that no sensitive individuals are exposed to radiation. First, contact with children and pregnant women should be minimized and close contact is completely avoiding. They should not be shared dishes, food and good. Contact with patient body fluids, including urine, sweat, saliva and tears, should be avoided. In addition, it must stop women who are breastfeeding. These measures should be taken for two weeks or as recommended by a doctor.