How long is radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer?

Most patients need only one dose before their hyperthyroidism is resolved, which may take a few weeks to several months. If your symptoms are still there after six months, you may have to receive a second dose.

How long after thyroidectomy do you get radioactive iodine?

RAI can be given as early as 4-5 weeks following total thyroidectomy but can be delayed for months or even years following surgery. The papillary thyroid cancer must have the symporter for iodine and take up iodine to be effective.

What are the long term side effects of radioactive iodine for thyroid?

Possible long term side effects include:

• Ability to have children (fertility) Some women may have irregular periods after radioactive iodine treatment.
• Inflammation of the salivary glands (where spit is made)
• Tiredness.
• Dry or watery eyes.
• Lower levels of blood cells.
• Lung problems.
• Second cancers.

How is radioactive iodine (RAI) used for papillary thyroid cancer?

Once taken into the papillary thyroid cancer cells, the radioactive iodine delivers a local radiation treatment in the area where the iodine is concentrated. The papillary thyroid cancer diagnosis, itself, is not an indication for RAI treatment.

Should patients with papillary thyroid cancer undergo radiation therapy (therapy)?

Papillary thyroid cancer should only undergo RAI treatment (therapy) in instances where the risk of the papillary thyroid cancer coming back is greater than the potential risks of RAI therapy itself.

What is radioiodine therapy for thyroid cancer?

Radioactive Iodine (Radioiodine) Therapy for Thyroid 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. The RAI collects mainly in thyroid cells, where the radiation can destroy the thyroid gland and any other thyroid cells

Is radioactive iodine safe for the thyroid?

Radioactive iodine is a safe therapy because the radioactive iodine is primarily absorbed by thyroid cells. Thyroid cells are the main cells in the body that can absorb iodine, so no other cells are exposed to the radiation. When the thyroid cells—both healthy and cancerous—absorb the radioactive iodine, they are damaged or destroyed.