Radioactive Iodine Therapy: Treatment Method for Thyroid Disorders

Radioactive Iodine Therapy

Radioactive iodine therapy is a medical treatment method that utilizes radioactive iodine and is preferred especially in the treatment of thyroid gland disorders. This treatment method, thanks to the property of radioactive iodine to damage cells, provides healing by eliminating diseased cells. Radioactive iodine therapy can be used for many purposes, ranging from the elimination of cancerous cells to the regulation of hormone levels. In this article we have prepared for you, we will attempt to provide information about why and to whom radioactive iodine therapy is applied and how the treatment is administered.

Why is Radioactive Iodine Therapy Applied?

Radioactive iodine therapy is used in the treatment of various thyroid gland diseases, primarily thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that occurs with uncontrolled multiplication and growth of cells in the thyroid gland. Radioactive iodine therapy aims to stop the progression of the disease by eliminating cancerous cells.

Additionally, radioactive iodine therapy is also used in the treatment of conditions that lead to overactivity of the thyroid gland, such as Graves' disease and nodular goiter. In these cases, radioactive iodine helps regulate hormone levels by destroying excess hormone-producing cells in the thyroid gland.

Who Receives Radioactive Iodine Therapy?

Radioactive iodine therapy can be applied to patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer for the purpose of eliminating remaining cancerous cells after surgery. Additionally, radioactive iodine therapy is suitable for conditions such as Graves' disease and nodular goiter that lead to thyroid gland overactivity.

However, radioactive iodine therapy cannot be applied to every patient. Pregnant and nursing women are not suitable candidates for radioactive iodine therapy, as radioactive iodine may cause harm to the baby or through breast milk to the infant. Furthermore, following evaluations performed before treatment, some patients may be determined to be unsuitable for radioactive iodine therapy.

How is Radioactive Iodine Therapy Administered?

Radioactive iodine therapy is given to the patient in the form of a capsule or liquid containing radioactive iodine. The radioactive iodine travels toward the thyroid gland and eliminates diseased cells. The treatment process varies from several days to several weeks depending on the patient's condition and the purpose of the therapy.

During radioactive iodine therapy, patients are advised to drink plenty of water and urinate frequently to help their bodies eliminate the radioactive substance. Additionally, during the treatment process, patients must avoid close contact with others and must especially stay away from pregnant women and children.

Radioactive iodine therapy is generally considered a successful and safe treatment method. However, some side effects may occur, which is why careful adherence to the doctor's recommendations during the treatment process is important.

What are the Side Effects of Radioactive Iodine Therapy?

Radioactive iodine therapy is an effective method used in the treatment of thyroid diseases such as thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism. This treatment is based on the principle of administering radioactive iodine to the patient orally and the thyroid cells in the body absorbing this substance and being destroyed. However, radioactive iodine therapy has some side effects. The main side effects can be listed as follows;

• Nausea and vomiting,

• Inflammation of the salivary glands,

• Temporary hypothyroidism,

• Decreased reproductive capacity,

• Radiation exposure,

What Preparation Should be Made Before Radioactive Iodine Therapy?

There are some important points that the patient and doctor should pay attention to before radioactive iodine therapy;

Before treatment, the patient must follow a low-iodine diet. This diet allows thyroid cells to absorb radioactive iodine more effectively.

Before treatment, it is important that the patient not use medications that may affect thyroid hormones and thyroid function. The doctor will inform the patient about this and recommend appropriate medications.

Before radioactive iodine therapy is applied, tumor marker tests must be performed and the results must be evaluated.

Female patients who will undergo radioactive iodine therapy must have a pregnancy test performed and must not become pregnant during the treatment.

Considerations After Radioactive Iodine Therapy

There are some points that patients should pay attention to after radioactive iodine therapy:

Patients receiving radioactive iodine therapy must be isolated during treatment and for a period afterward to prevent radiation exposure to the people around them.

During treatment, it is important that patients wash their hands frequently, pay attention to oral hygiene, and regularly clean the items used.

To accelerate the elimination of radioactive iodine from the body, patients are advised to consume abundant water.

After treatment, patients must continue their diet and medication use according to the doctor's recommendations.

After radioactive iodine therapy, it is important that patients have regular thyroid function tests, tumor marker tests, and imaging methods when deemed necessary.

Radioactive Iodine Therapy Costs in Turkey

Turkey has succeeded in gaining recognition worldwide through its investments and efforts in the healthcare field. In particular, state-of-the-art equipment used in diagnostic and treatment procedures has provided hope for many diseases. Nevertheless, there has been an increase in medical tourism to Turkey.

• Hospitals being large, clean, spacious, and fully equipped with technological devices,

• Turkish doctors being specialists in their field, successful, and talented,

• Nurses and patient caregivers being friendly and compassionate,

• Questions being answered quickly and accurately,

• All personnel, including the intermediary company assisting the patient, being patient and understanding,

• Turkey offering natural and historical attractions along with vacation opportunities,

• Easy accessibility,

• Meeting needs such as diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, food, beverages, clothing, and vacation at affordable prices,

are among the stated reasons for preference. Regarding Radioactive Iodine Therapy Costs in Turkey, we can see that patients and patient relatives who wish to come to Turkey conduct research. However, at this stage, it would not be appropriate to provide definitive pricing information. Many factors such as the type and stage of the disease, the diagnostic process, the treatment process, and the duration of stay in Turkey affect pricing. If you wish to obtain more detailed pricing information, you can contact us. Furthermore, if you come to Turkey for treatment through our intermediation, we can facilitate your visa application process with an invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.