Radioactive iodine used in medicine is the i-131 iodine isotope. It has a unique opportunity to destroy "unnecessary" thyroidocyte cells of the thyroid gland or cancer cells, without creating a general radiation exposure to the entire body.
Treatment of the thyroid gland with radioactive iodine
Individually calculated for each patient, a dose of iodine in the form of capsules is taken internally. Treatment of thyroid with iodine I-131 helps to eliminate the following diseases:
- hyperthyroidism - increased hormonal activity of the thyroid gland, caused by the appearance of benign nodes;
- thyrotoxicosis - intoxication caused by a persistent increase in the production of thyroid hormones (the consequences of hyperthyroidism);
- thyroid cancer - malignant formations.
Treatment of thyrotoxicosis with radioactive iodine
To cure thyrotoxicosis with the help of radioactive iodine is much easier and safer than with the help of surgical intervention. You do not have to tolerate the effects of anesthesia, painful sensations, and also get rid of unaesthetic scars. It is only necessary to drink a certain dose of iodine 131. The only discomfort is a possible slight burning sensation in the throat, which itself passes or is quickly eliminated by topical preparations. Contraindication for such treatment is pregnancy and lactation.
The dose of radiation obtained, if necessary, even the highest amounts of I-131, does not extend to the entire body of the patient. The approximate dose of irradiation has a permeability of 2 mm. However, there is a warning: it can prevent close communication with children for one month (kisses and embraces are meant). Therefore, young mothers will have to choose between the operation and the thirty-day isolation from the child.
Treatment of hyperthyroidism with radioactive iodine proceeds exactly according to the same scheme. The difference is only in the amount of the drug taken. A marked improvement in the treatment of the thyroid gland with iodine 131 appears after two or even three months, although there are cases of a more rapid effect. On the full recovery says the state of hypothyroidism - a significant decrease in the production of hormones by the thyroid gland.
Preparation for treatment with radioactive iodine
Before the treatment of thyroid gland with radioactive iodine for 7 or 10 days, the patient is discontinued taking all hormonal preparations. After the examination for the absorption of iodine by the thyroid gland. Based on the results of this analysis, as well as the severity of the disease, the required dose of I-131 is calculated. In the case of a malignant tumor, the thyroid gland is completely removed.
Consequences of treatment with radioactive iodine
In addition to minor side effects in the form of discomfort in the neck after treatment with radioactive iodine, there are no particularly serious consequences. Within a month, some radioactivity is detected in the body. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to protect others from exposure:
- frequent drinking;
- personal hygiene (frequent washing of hands, double discharge of water after toilet);
- restriction of close communication with children;
- separate sleep;
- frequent change of clothes and bed linen.
After taking a course of treatment with radioactive iodine, the thyroid gland needs constant monitoring from the endocrinologist. Reduction of thyroid activity is compensated by taking a hormone of thyroxine. The quality of life of the patient remains the same as before the illness.