Radioactive iodine therapy, or RAI, is considered one of the most effective treatments in the treatment of hyperthyroidism and other forms of thyroid cancer. It utilizes the specific characteristic of iodine-131, a radioactive isotope, to target thyroid tissues specifically with minimal side effects. The article answers the 10 most frequently asked questions regarding this therapy to give readers a clearer understanding of its purpose, process, and what to expect.
What is Radioactive Iodine Therapy?
Radioactive iodine therapy is a medical treatment that employs iodine-131, a radioactive isotope, to treat thyroid-related conditions. Since the thyroid gland naturally absorbs iodine, it becomes an ideal target for this therapy.
Main Uses:
- Hyperthyroidism due to an overactive thyroid gland (e.g., Graves’ disease).
- Thyroid cancer to destroy residual thyroid tissue after surgery or target cancer cells.
- RAI therapy is non-invasive because patients take iodine-131 orally in liquid or capsule forms. The radioactive iodine kills the overactive or the cancerous thyroid tissues through ingestion. It does not affect any other body part.
How does Radioactive Iodine Work for Hyperthyroidism?
Radioactive iodine treatment treats hyperthyroidism by killing those cells in the thyroid glands that produce excess hormones causing this condition.
Process
- Iodine-131 is orally taken and absorbed by the thyroid gland.
- The radiation continuously kills the hyperactive cells in the thyroid
- The levels of thyroid hormone become normal within weeks or months
- This is a therapeutic measure for hyperthyroidism but almost all the patients will have to continue the treatment with lifelong thyroid hormone replacement as their thyroid activity is suppressed
Who is an ideal candidate for RAI therapy?
RAI therapy is given to most patients who have Hyperthyroidism or toxic nodular goiter. Patients suffering from papillary or follicular thyroid cancer and who had undergone thyroidectomy.
Cases with conflicting indications include;
- Pregnant and lactating women (the radioactive iodine can harm the baby).
- Patients whose eye symptoms are caused by Graves’ disease may require alternatives.
- Consultation with an endocrinologist or oncologist ensures that therapy is best suited for different conditions.
What preparations are to be made ahead of this treatment?
Proper preparations help to make therapy effective:
- Low-Iodine Diet
- Preparation must be started about 1-2 weeks before this treatment.
- Avoid iodized salt, seafood, dairy, and processed foods that have a lot of iodine.
Medication Changes: Thyroid hormone medicines must be stopped on the doctor’s prescription. Kelp or any multivitamin with iodine in them must be avoided.
Diagnostic Imaging: A PET CT scan in Bangalore or other imaging might be required to evaluate the thyroid or search for metastasis of cancer. The patient must follow the directions given by the doctor to achieve the best result.
What happens in the RAI Treatment?
Easy outpatient treatment for RAI, usually:
- Administration: Liquid or pill by mouth that contains iodine-131
- Absorption: The thyroid gland absorbs iodine and concentrates the radiation in the tissues involved with the cancer.
- Safety measures: It emits relatively small levels of radiation and could be a few days before other people are avoided closely.
- This is a relatively painless procedure where most of the patients can go about their normal life in as short a time after receiving this treatment.
How Long Does It Take Before the Therapy Starts Acting?
- Hyperthyroidism patients begin to feel good in weeks, but the complete effect takes up to 6 months.
- Cancer patients are followed up with scans to determine the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Patience is required because the body responds to the treatment after some time.
Conclusion
Radioactive iodine therapy is the most advanced method of treatment for hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer, and its effectiveness lies in its targeted results. Preparation through recovery, knowledge of the process combined with medical advice, will always result in the best possible outcomes. Services of diagnostic imaging – like a PET CT scan in Bangalore – can be carried out before or after the therapy, to help plan and monitor the effectiveness of the planned treatment. Whether you are considering getting RAI therapy or simply want to ask about it, start by consulting your healthcare provider for a healthy future ahead.
Kiranpet Nuclear Medicine & PET/CT Centre offers comprehensive medical imaging and diagnostic services, providing accurate and timely results to support patient care. Contact us today.
