Radioactive iodine

Radioactive iodine is an isotope of ordinary iodine, which is often used in medical practice. This is explained by the fact that the radioiodine can spontaneously decay and form xenon, beta-particle and gamma-ray quanta.

Indication for the introduction of radioactive iodine

You can treat the substance only in a couple of cases:

1. The main indication for the use of the drug are malignant thyroid tumors. Therapy helps to remove diseased cells, even if they have spread throughout the body. Radioactive iodine is considered one of the most effective ways to treat thyroid cancers.
2. Often, the drug is recommended for those patients who have been diagnosed with a diffuse or nodal toxic goiter . With these conditions, the thyroid gland tissues too actively produce hormones, and thyrotoxicosis may develop.

What is the principle of therapy with radioactive iodine?

Beta-particle, obtained during the decay of the substance, has a very high rate and can easily penetrate into tissues. This method of treatment is based on the ability of the thyroid gland to absorb and accumulate iodine. In this case - radioactive, which will irradiate and destroy the cells of the body from the inside.

It is important to understand that the action of the beta-particle extends only a couple of millimeters from the zone of its location, then irradiation with radioactive iodine does not work. Accordingly, this type of therapy affects the direction.

The medicine is administered simply - through the mouth. The substance is sealed in an ordinary or gelatin capsule, which must be swallowed. The pills do not have a smell or taste. Radioiodine injections also exist, but they are used in rare cases.

Possible consequences of treatment of oncology and thyrotoxicosis with radioactive iodine

Treatment is completely painless and in most cases is tolerated by patients perfectly. Scientifically proved that this kind of radiation does not harm other organs and tissues at all. Still, some patients have to face complications:

1. Sometimes immediately after the procedure, a swelling develops on the neck. It is accompanied by a slight discomfort.
2. In some patients, due to irradiation, appetite disappears, there are bouts of nausea and vomiting .
3. At too high doses of radioactive iodine, inflammation of the salivary gland tissues can develop. But this is a very rare phenomenon.