2. Radioactive Iodine Therapy – An Efficient Cancer Cell Eradicator
Radioactive iodine therapy (RAI) typically enters the scene post-surgery. It’s aimed at destroying any remaining thyroid tissue after thyroidectomy and killing any microscopic areas of thyroid cancer that weren’t removed during surgery.
RAI therapy uses a form of iodine that’s radioactive. Since thyroid cells naturally absorb iodine from the bloodstream, radioactive iodine gets picked up by any thyroid tissue left behind after surgery, including thyroid cancer cells. As these cells absorb the radioactive iodine, they’re destroyed, thereby reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.
RAI therapy is usually well-tolerated by patients. The treatment can be done as an outpatient procedure, and the majority of the radioactive iodine not absorbed by thyroid cells leaves the body within days, through urine. While side effects are generally minimal, patients might experience dry mouth, taste changes, and nausea immediately after the treatment. (2)
