Medical information on thyroid cancer treatment steps after surgery: Why do patients have to inhale iodine-131? Preparation and care after treatment
Thyroid cancer is more common in women than in men. Most cases are palpable as a lump in the neck. Most types of thyroid cancer have a good disease course, but it can still spread to lymph nodes or other organs, such as the lungs and bones. The main treatment method is thyroid surgery followed by treatment with radioactive iodine-131 to increase the chance of a complete cure.
What is radioactive iodine-131?
Radioactive iodine-131 therapy (Radioiodine, Iodine-131) is a medical treatment.
It is an unstable radioactive substance that can emit beta radiation for cell destruction and also emit gamma radiation, which can be used in nuclear medicine imaging to pinpoint the location of disease. Most radioactive iodine tends to bind to thyroid cells and differentiated thyroid cancer. The administration of radioactive iodine-131 is mostly in the form of oral administration, which may be in the form of capsules.
Radioactive iodine thyroid treatment is an additional treatment after surgery, which is usually done at least 3-4 weeks after surgery. This treatment is not necessary for all patients, but depends on the patient’s chance of recurrence, which will be assessed by a related specialist. If the patient needs to receive radioactive treatment, they will be assessed by a nuclear medicine physician for the appropriate radiation dose. However, ทางเข้า ufabet this treatment is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Preparation before treatment
- Eat low-iodine foods, which means eating foods that contain less than 50 micrograms of iodine per day for 1-2 weeks before treatment to allow thyroid cells and/or cancer cells to better absorb radioactive iodine, which increases the chance of successful treatment. It is recommended to avoid foods that are high in iodine, such as seafood, including foods that contain seafood, such as fish sauce and seaweed, as well as vitamins that contain iodine or foods that have been added to iodine. For salt that is not added to iodine, it can be consumed because if you avoid eating salt, it may cause low sodium levels in the blood (Hyponatremia).
- There are two main methods of TSH stimulation (TSH Stimulation) to increase Thyroid Stimulated Hormone (TSH) levels to more than 30 mU/L:
- Withholding thyroid hormones for 3-6 weeks or not initiating thyroid hormones after surgery for patients who have recently undergone surgery.
- Injection of Recombinant Human Thyrotropin (rhTSH) before administration of radioactive iodine.
Complications from radioactive iodine-131
- Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and headache may occur.
- Radiation thyroiditis, which may present as swelling or pain in the front of the neck, occurs in 10–20 percent of cases and can occur within the first 48 hours after exposure to radioactive iodine.
- Swelling from cancer, which if thyroid cancer spreads to the brain, can cause brain swelling and bleeding in the brain.
- Inflammation of the salivary glands, which causes swelling under the ear or under both jaws.
- Taste abnormalities, which are temporary
- Common late complications include chronic salivary gland inflammation, dry mouth, sticky saliva, and early menopause.
Behavior after radioactive iodine treatment
- During the first week after the first treatment, it is recommended to practice to reduce radiation to people around you by reducing radiation exposure from spreading, such as keeping a distance of 2 meters or, if you have to be close, use a short distance, including sleeping alone. If you cannot have a separate room, your bed should be 2 meters apart, and you should avoid going to communities, crowded places, and places where you cannot keep a distance.
- Beware of radioactive iodine contamination from urine, sweat, and saliva, such as urinating in the toilet and flushing twice, washing hands frequently, not eating or drinking from the same container as others, and washing clothes separately from others.
- Use birth control for at least 6-12 months.
In addition, you should take thyroid hormones as prescribed by your doctor regularly and follow up with your doctor as scheduled to ensure the most effective treatment.