How does iodine-131 Treat cancer?

Radioactive iodine is an effective type of treatment for cancer of the thyroid gland. This is because the radioactive iodine from the drink or capsule is absorbed into your body and picked up by the thyroid cancer cells, even if they have spread to other parts of the body. The radiation then destroys the cancer cells.

Is iodine used to treat cancer?

Your thyroid gland absorbs nearly all of the iodine in your body. Because of this, radioactive iodine (RAI, also called I-131) can be used to treat thyroid cancer.

Does Radioactive iodine treatment cause cancer?

Findings from a study of patients who received radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment for hyperthyroidism show an association between the dose of treatment and long-term risk of death from solid cancers, including breast cancer.

What type of radiation does iodine-131 emit?

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.

What are side effects of radioactive iodine therapy I-131?

What are the side effects of radioactive iodine?

  • Neck tenderness and swelling.
  • Nausea.
  • Swollen salivary glands.
  • Loss of taste or taste change.
  • Dry mouth/insufficient salivary production.
  • Dry eyes.
  • Excessive tearing from the eyes.

How successful is radioactive iodine treatment?

Conclusion: Radioactive iodine treatment is an effective modality for definitive treatment of hyperthyroidism with long-term cure approaching 80%.

What are the side effects of iodine radiation?

What are the chances of getting cancer from radioactive iodine?

Young adults who received radioactive iodine therapy for differentiated thyroid cancer were at 92% increased risk for leukemia and 23% increased risk for any solid malignancies vs. those who did not receive radioactive iodine therapy.

What are the side effects of iodine-131?

Common side effects of Sodium Iodide I 131 include nausea, vomiting, chest pain, rapid heart rate, itching skin, rash, and hives. Dosing of Sodium Iodide I 131 ranges widely from 5 to 1000 microcuries, depending on the procedure being performed. Sodium Iodide I 131 may interact with other drugs.

How long does I-131 stay in your system?

How long does radioiodine stay in your body? The radioiodine from your treatment will remain in your body temporarily. Most of the radioiodine not collected by your residual thyroid tissue will be eliminated during the first two days after your treatment.

Does radioactive iodine shorten 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 treatment shorten your life?

What are the side effects of iodine 131?

Do you 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.