Radioiodine therapy is a treatment method using radioactive iodine (radioiodine), which is mainly applied to treat thyroid cancer after surgery.
General description
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck and is responsible for producing several hormones. This type of cancer develops when thyroid cells begin to grow and multiply uncontrollably. Patients may notice thyroid cancer symptoms, and in some cases, thyroid cancer symptoms in females include changes in the neck and swelling.
There are four main types of thyroid cancer: “papillary,” “follicular,” “medullary,” and “anaplastic.” Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common, occurring in about 80% of thyroid cancer cases. Follicular type accounts for approximately 15%, and the medullary type: 5-8%.
Thyroid gland, cancer, and treatment procedures
The first step usually involves surgical removal of the nearly entire thyroid gland. Depending on the case complexity, nearby affected lymph nodes may also be removed (lymph node dissection). Diseased tissues are removed. Here, radioiodine therapy for papillary thyroid cancer targets remaining papillary thyroid cancer cells. During this therapy, radioactive iodine is administered to the patient in therapeutic doses, which are then synthesized and absorbed by thyroid and cancer cells. It destroys these cells through its unique radiation effect.
Preparation and procedure for thyroid radioiodine therapy
Before thyroid cancer treatment, patients are advised to follow a low-iodine diet, which helps reduce iodine levels in the body, allowing better absorption of radioactive iodine. The radioactive iodine is taken orally, often in a cup or container, at specific times prescribed by a specialist.
After treatment, the patient must follow certain safety rules to protect themselves and those around them. Radioactive iodine is absorbed by thyroid cells, and some is excreted through breath, urine, sweat, and saliva. Therefore, it is important to maintain safety, especially if there are children or pregnant people nearby.
Protecting others
Immediately after receiving radioiodine therapy, isolation for a few days is recommended, preferably in a separate room, and minimize contact with others. Use personal hygiene items exclusively and do not share them. Avoid hugging, kissing, or wearing other people’s clothes. Wash hands frequently using personal hygiene items that others will not use. During the 4-7 days after treatment, avoid public transport and minimize time in public spaces.
During treatment, continuous medical monitoring is important to track the body’s response to radioactive iodine, how it is absorbed, and its effects on overall health and well-being. Patients should regularly undergo doctor-prescribed examinations to evaluate treatment effectiveness.
International success and monitoring
Especially in papillary and follicular thyroid cancer, worldwide experience shows that radioiodine therapy for thyroid cancer can extend the life of treated patients. Patient involvement, strict adherence to safety rules, and a healthy lifestyle are also important. So, to answer the question “Is thyroid cancer deadly?” it’s not deadly if done on time with the right specialists.
Radioiodine therapy at Erebuni Medical Center
Previously, patients with thyroid cancer had to receive radioiodine therapy abroad because Armenia lacked such facilities. Considering the high prevalence of thyroid malignancies in the country, in 2019 the Erebuni Medical Center established a regional European Center of Nuclear Medicine. Radioiodine treatment is prescribed for malignant thyroid tumors, allowing patients in Armenia to receive high-quality care. Most patients needing radioiodine therapy in Armenia are treated at Erebuni Medical Center using a Siemens Gamma camera, one of the world’s best nuclear medicine diagnostic devices.
The medical center provides specially equipped, comfortable, and safe patient rooms. Immediately after taking the medicine, the patient is isolated in these rooms. The radioiodine therapy course lasts three days, after which a diagnostic test determines the level of radioactive iodine accumulation in the body.
Since its opening, more than 560 patients have received radioiodine therapy for thyroid cancer at the center.
Erebuni Medical Center prioritizes your and your family’s health. It operates 24/7; contact can be made at 14 Titogradyan St., Yerevan, or by phone +374-10-471100.
