Radioiodine for thyroid cancer

Radioiodine I-131 therapy is a type of internal radioactive radiotherapy treatment for thyroid cancer. Iodine used in this therapy (I-131) is radioactive. You usually have I-131 in the form of a paracetamol-sized capsule that you swallow with water. You will have this treatment after you have had some, or all, of your thyroid removed, in a procedure called a thyroidectomy.

 

How does it work?

Cancerous thyroid cells in your body absorb iodine in the same way that normal thyroid cells do. This means that all thyroid cells in your body are targeted in this treatment. In order for the therapy to be more effective, your doctor may offer Thyrogen injections prior to the therapy.