Radioactive treatment makes use of a radioactive iodine form known as iodine 131. Radioactive iodine flows throughout the bloodstream in the body of the patient. This treatment is based on the reality that thyroid accumulates iodine that it makes use of for producing thyroid hormones essential for the regular functioning of your body. Like the iodine, RAI is also found in foods like seaweed, iodized salt and fish. It releases beta particles that can create its therapeutic action. Iodine treatment for thyroid cancer works effectively to give relief from thyroid cancer.

RAI is available in capsule form. It is absorbed by your body rather quickly by the intestines and stomach. Once they are absorbed by your stomach and intestine, they are carried in your bloodstream to thyroid. RAI disturbs the functioning of thyroid cells in thyroid gland. If the cells stop functioning then big amounts of thyroid hormones are not produced and the signs of hyperthyroidism start disappearing. Radioactive iodine is a useful treatment for thyroid cancer. It does not affect your other body cells as only thyroid cells take the iodine. Radioactive iodine treatment for cancer is used for some types of thyroid cancer such as follicular and papillary thyroid cancer.

Radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer is also suggested after surgery to kill cancer cells left in your system. It is also used for treating recurring thyroid cancer. Patients can get their treatment as an outpatient if the radioactive iodine dose is very low. If the radioactive iodine dose is very high then the doctor can prevent other people from radiation exposure by keeping patient away from other people in the hospital during treatment. Radiation that is used in this treatment can go within some days and weeks. After a few weeks, you can see only the traces of radioactive iodine in your body. People suffering from medullary thyroid are not suggested to take this treatment as they hardly ever respond to this therapy.

Before you start taking radioactive iodine treatment, you can be given a thyroid stimulating hormone named recombinant human TSH for some weeks. This helps thyroid cancer cells in your body to take up enough radioactive iodine. In a few cases, doctors will not tell you to take thyroid hormone tablets till the completion of radioactive iodine treatment. People suffering from thyroid cancer will be asked to eat a low iodine diet before taking the radioactive iodine treatment. You need to start following this diet 2 weeks before the treatment. Low iodine diet is useful as too much iodine in your system does not give you best results in the treatment. Dairy products consist of iodine hence you should avoid eating milk products, eggs and cheese.

It is necessary for patients to either receive injections of Hydrogen or to be withdrawn from thyroid hormone in order for radioactive iodine treatment to be effective.

This method of treatment for cancer makes you radioactive, hence your visitors are restricted to come and visit you to protect them. Urine and sweat will be also radioactive during such time. As you are in the hospital to take this treatment, sheets are changed every day. Radioactive iodine is available in capsule form. Once you take this capsule, your nurse tells you not to eat or drink for some hours afterwards to allow your body absorbs the iodine. After some hours, you can eat regularly.

After that, you can eat normally. Drinking plenty of to flush the radioactive iodine out of your system is best. A radiation monitor can be used for checking your radioactivity levels.