TREATMENT OF HYPERTHYROIDISM OR THYROID MALIGNANCY: Iodine I-131
*Frequently Asked Questions about thyroid I-131 treatment* print/download a copy
Radioactive iodine treatment with I-131 is one good option to treat high-uptake-hyperthyroidism and sometimes a required treatment for thyroid malignancy. radioactive iodine treatment (RAI) is based on the biology that the thyroid actively accumulates iodine, using it to produce thyroid hormones. Radioactive I-131 is like the iodine found in foods such as fish, seaweed, and iodized salt, except that it releases an electron, or beta particle, which creates its treatment action. For use in treatment, the RAI is given as a capsule. It is absorbed quickly by the stomach and intestines, then carried in the bloodstream to the thyroid, where it is taken up by the thyroid gland. While in the thyroid gland, the RAI disrupts the function of some of the thyroid cells - the more radioactive iodine given, the more cells cease to function.
Preparing for the treatment:
Hyperthyroid patients:
Women must have a pregnancy test performed prior to testing. You should inform the doctor if you have recently taken large doses of iodine, seaweed, kelp or had a CT scan with IV contrast within the last month. Also you must remain off drugs commonly used to treat hyperthyroidism such as methimazole or PTU for at least 7 days prior to the treatment. You will be scheduled to come to the office in the morning to swallow a capsule of radioactive iodine, and then you may go back home
Thyroid cancer patients who recently had thyroid surgery:
Women must have a pregnancy test performed prior to testing. You should inform the doctor if you have recently taken large doses of iodine, seaweed, kelp or had a CT scan with IV contrast within the last month. The remaining thyroid tissue after thyroid surgery must be prepared to be "hungry" for the iodine treatment by one of these pathways: WITHDRAWAL PATHS: Path 1 or Path 2 or THYROGEN PATHS: Path 3 or Path 4 or Path 5
