Can you treat thyroid with radiation?
Radioactive iodine (RAI) is treatment for overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and certain types of thyroid cancer. The term “radioactive” may sound frightening, but it is a safe, generally well-tolerated, and reliable treatment that targets thyroid cells so there is little exposure to the rest of your body’s cells.
How long is radiation treatment for thyroid?
External radiotherapy usually involves treatment once a day from Monday to Friday, with a break at weekends, for 4 to 6 weeks. Side effects of radiotherapy can include: feeling and being sick.
How long is isolation after radioactive thyroid treatment?
Depending on state regulations, patients may have to stay isolated in the hospital for about 24 hours to avoid exposing other people to radiation, especially if there are young children living in the same home.
What happens after thyroid radiation treatment?
A swollen or tender neck and feeling flushed Some people may have a feeling of tightness or swelling in their neck for a few days after treatment. This is more common if you still had a large part of your thyroid gland when you have radioactive iodine treatment. Some people also feel flushed.
What are the side effects of radiation for thyroid?
Common side effects of external radiation for thyroid cancer can include:
- Severe tiredness (fatigue)
- Trouble swallowing.
- Dry mouth.
- Cough.
- Hoarseness.
- Loss of appetite.
- Low blood counts.
- Nausea.
How do they do radiation for thyroid cancer?
Doctors use two types of radiation for thyroid cancer patients: You will swallow a capsule or pill that contains radioactive iodine (I-131). Both healthy and cancerous thyroid cells absorb the I-131, which destroys them. This treatment is usually given in a hospital.
Where do you stay after radioactive iodine treatment?
To decrease the radiation dose to others:
- You should sleep in a separate bed.
- Remain in your home for the first four days.
- Do not hold young children or spend much time near a pregnant woman.
- Family members should stay about six feet or more from you.
What happens to thyroid after radioactive iodine?
Radioactive iodine is taken up by the thyroid, and destroys the cells in the thyroid gland. This has the effect of reducing the amount of thyroxine made by the thyroid gland and may also reduce the size of the gland.
Can your thyroid grow back after radioactive iodine treatment?
Once hypothyroidism has been achieved, it is usually irreversible with the patient requiring lifelong thyroid replacement. Early recurrences are reported in 20–54% of cases within 3–6 months, which can be due to inadequate RAI treatment or early Marine Lenhart syndrome.