Killing the thyroid with radioactive iodine
Common Questions and Answers about Killing the thyroid with radioactive iodine
armour-thyroid
The radioactive iodine does not always shrink the goiter. The current high TSH may be contributing to the enlarged thyroid. Would make sure this is controlled and determine why the TSH is high now on 200mcg -- ie, decreased absorption, generic medication, interfering other meds/supplements -- best to talk to an endocrinologist about these.
In terms of the ultrasound, it s important to make sure there are no suspicious nodules, but overtime the goiter may shrink with proper TSH levels (0.5-2.
( My ultrasound states that tissue diagnosis is suggested. I posted my ultrasound results in the expert forum and Dr Lupo has said that the radioactive Iodine uptake scan wont be very helpful and I should get an FNA biospsy on the 3.8 cm mass that I have. My own family practictioner has scheduled me for the radioactive iodine uptake scan and will not think about the biopsy until he gets the results from that. What should I do? What would you do?
The Use of Radioactive Iodine Post-Operatively
Thyroid cells are unique in that they have the cellular mechanism to absorb iodine. The iodine is used by thyroid cells to make thyroid hormone. No other cell in the body can absorb or concentrate iodine. Physicians can take advantage of this fact and give radioactive iodine to patients with thyroid cancer. There are several types of radioactive iodine, with one type being toxic to cells.
I would think that a negative stimulated thyroglobulin is likely a reassuring prognostic indicator in your case. I would not anticipate the need for more radioactive iodine in the future.
he did a great job with the surgery- no nerve problem, parathyroid saved. He recommended i get the radiation. But I have a friend whos relative is a thyroid surgery and associate professor at a university. he told me he i didnt need the radiation. i also went to see an endo doc who told me he couldnt find any reason to give me radiation. he told me the only thing is i was male and they typically have a worse prognosis but he said everything else led him that i didnt need the radiation.
iodine is a critical component of thyroid hormones. The iodine accumulates in the thyroid; more accumulates when the gland is overactive, as occurs in Graves disease. After a specified amount of time, a probe similar to a Geiger counter is placed over the thyroid and the amount of radioactivity is compared to the amount that was given.
Ok this is what i have found just having a quick look! I think it might be worth while discussing this with your doctor if you haven't already done so. Maybe there may not be a need for abortion
Pregnancy: The fetus begins taking up iodine into its’ thyroid at about 12 weeks gestation & exposure to radioactive iodine at this time can cause the thyroid to fail to develop. Pregnancy should be delayed four to six months after radioactive iodine therapy.
You usually take the radioactive iodine 1 month after thyroidectomy. I had to stay in the hospital overnite with visiting restrictions and avoidance of medical staff in my room and it was not bad at all. I got to relax and watch TV. I forgot how long before you avoid iodine foods, I think a week or two.
My surgeon is telling me not to bother seeing an oncologist to be given the radioactive pill as the multi pappillary tumors were microscopic (largest was 0.2 cm). and the whole thyroid gland was removed. But the fact that the closest tumor to the margin was just 1 mm makes me worry there might be cancer cells left behind in my neck and therefore i should take the radioactive iodine pill. He says I would derive no extra benefit from doing that?
One way to do this is by injecting thyrogen to stimulate the thyroid. Radioactive iodine is used to destroy any remaining thyroid cells including cancer cells. Important note: a low iodine diet is recommended for 1 - 2 weeks prior to RAI treatment.
I had the uptake scan and I 123 was used with pertechium (tracer). This iodine doesnt kill or harm the thyroid. Its only given to get information on the thryoid.
I was given it outside the room then taken into another room to do the scan. All up it took about 60 minutes.
And yes, as they say "its safe".
Hurthle cells are commonly seen in the thyroid. And with the lymphocytes - suggests hashimotos. Would need to look at TPO antibody to help confirm this, but the TSH may be normal in Hashi.
The nodule is large and did not take up Iodine on the I-123. If the first FNA is negative, a repeat FNA should be done in 3 months to confirm. Often surgery is recommended for this situation of a nodule >4cm depending on age and other health issues.
It was probably radioactive iodine and it was given for hyperthyroidism, not hypo. Radioactive iodine (RAI) is used for someone who has hyperthyroidism to "kill" the thyroid so it no longer produces thyroid hormones.
When RAI is first given, the person must stay away from others for a specified period of time, but once that time passes, so does the danger.
Could you explain why you're asking about this now?
My sister had two goiters and although she kept checking them frequently, lateley she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. She was operated and had her thyroid removed and after 6 months she took the iodine radioactive pill. Now she is on thyroxin and her doctor told her that right now its important to keep her thyroid fast. My problem is that yesterday my sister had a panic attack . She felt like she was going to throw up and her heart beat was very fast.
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