Radioactive iodine therapy is popularly known as atomic therapy; It is one of the methods used in the treatment of thyroid cancer. Thyroid hormone is produced in our body by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland needs iodine to produce this hormone. Under normal conditions, we meet this iodine needed from food. In the treatment of radioactive iodine, the radioactive form of the iodine found in foods is used.
Why Is Radioactive Iodine Treatment Applied?
In thyroid cancer, this radioactive iodine administered to the body causes the cancerous Thyroid cells to disappear by irradiating them from the inside. Radioactive iodine therapy ; It is used in patients with thyroid cancer, especially after surgery, to ensure that no cancerous thyroid cells are left behind, thus preventing the cancer from recurring. Is it suitable for treatment?
Radioactive iodine therapy is given to the patient group whose tumor diameter is over 1 centimeter and whose tumor diameter is smaller than 1 centimeter, for the purpose of destroying the remaining thyroid tissue after surgery and for treatment.
Tumor diameter In some cases smaller than 1 cm and without metastasis, surgery in which the thyroid gland is completely removed may be sufficient alone.
When is Radioactive Iodine Treatment Applied?
After surgery, patients with thyroid cancer; necessary examinations are made. According to the results of these tests, radioactive iodine treatment can be applied 3-4 weeks after the operation.
What should be done in the preliminary preparation for the patient who will receive radioactive iodine treatment?
2 weeks before the radioactive iodine treatment (in special cases, your doctor may specify a different period for you) it is very important that you pay attention to the following.
Otherwise, the effectiveness of the treatment will be adversely affected.
If used;
- Discontinuation of drugs such as thyroid hormone and heartbeat disorder drugs,
- Discontinuation of drugs such as thyroid hormone and heartbeat disorder drugs, Not having dental fillings containing iodine,
- Iodized salt , rock salt, not using sea salt (only salt with "non-iodized" written on it can be used).
- Radiological examinations (Angiography, IVP, To
- Iodine-containing multi-vitamins, cough syrup (containing potassium iodide), mouthwash (containing iodine), tincture diode, baticon, betadine, etc. brown wound solutions, brown medicine, lotion, cream, hair dye, etc. avoiding substances,
- Not having dental fillings containing iodine,
- Not consuming foods containing seaweed, seafood, large deep-sea fish, soy, soy sauce, soybeans, tofu,
- Not to consume processed meat products (such as salami, sausage, bacon, sausage, smoked meat, etc.) and canned foods,
- Satisfied ready-to-eat foods, chips, salty nuts, salty biscuits, crackers, etc. avoiding all kinds of ready-made foods,
- Nuts without salt should also be eaten in moderation,
- Not to consume foods containing red and brown dyestuffs (these foods may contain substances that interact with iodine),
- Do not consume milk and dairy products with additives, salted cheese, ice cream and margarine (Natural and unsalted cheeses such as curd cheese, string cheese, mozzarella, fresh white cheese can be consumed. Cheese, unsalted butter and natural yoghurt can be consumed in reasonable amounts by leaving them in water for a long time. edible),
- Instant coffees, chocolate, cola drinks, tea bags, and colorful instant drinks should be avoided.
- Dark green vegetables (spinach, purslane, kale, etc.), fruits and berries should not be consumed. Apart from this, other fruits and vegetables can be eaten.
- Spices and red pepper should be avoided. However, there is no harm in using fresh spices and black pepper.
- Fresh, natural meats, chicken, natural eggs, sea fish can be consumed in reasonable quantities. (However, the intake of these foods should be reduced 5 days before the treatment).
- Rice cooked with natural oils and broths, pasta, pastries, all kinds of bread can be consumed.
How is Radioactive Iodine Treatment Applied?
From radioactive iodine treatment At least 2 weeks ago, patients apply a low-iodine diet (in this way, it is aimed to increase the effectiveness of the treatment). Patients who make the necessary preparations beforehand come to the hospital and some necessary examinations are made in the hospital. Patients are then taken to the lead-lined radioactive treatment room. Radioactive iodine substance oral capsule given in the form. Depending on the dose of radioactive iodine taken, patients stay in the room for 1 to 3 days. No visitors are accepted during this period.
What are the Side Effects of Radioactive Iodine Therapy?
Side effects that may occur during treatment are generally mild and temporary.
Some of the side effects that may be encountered can be listed as follows;
- Sometimes, depending on the dose of radioactive iodine given, sensitivity in the neck and mild nausea,
- Swelling in the salivary glands, long-term dry mouth, temporary decrease in the sense of taste,
- Damage of the salivary gland It is necessary to rinse the mouth with lemon juice and chew gum to prevent it from seeing. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and urinate frequently to remove excess radiation from the body that the thyroid does not retain.
What Should Be Considered After Radioactive Iodine Treatment?
After the treatment 10- For 15 days, your contact with your relatives should not be more than half an hour. Even if there is a wall between you, keep a distance of at least 2 meters. Do not sleep in the same bed as your spouse. You can accept short-term visitors for a few hours. Keep a distance of at least 2 meters between you and visitors. Do not accept children and pregnant visitors. If you have small children, ask your doctor for specific information. Do not hold your child on your lap, do not feed him, do not change his diaper. Have someone else take care of your children for a certain period of time.
For people older than 60 years, the risk of being affected by radiation is low. Radiation protection measures are not required for your relatives at this age. If the patient receiving high-dose radioactive iodine treatment (100-200 mCi) is breastfeeding, it is recommended to wean her baby and not to become pregnant for 6 months.
If you have to return to your workplace after the treatment, do not stay together with your colleagues for a long time. Stay away from people around you at your workplace as much as possible. Keep a distance of at least 1 meter between you and the people around you and do not stay together for more than 1 hour. If you need to be together for a longer time, keep at least 2 meters between you. Take a break from your job, especially if you work with small children. cinema, theatre, Do not go to concerts and similar crowded places.
If possible, do not use the toilets used by others. Do not use a Turkish style toilet. Pay attention to the cleaning rules and urinate sitting down. Prevent your urine from splashing around. Use toilet paper while cleaning. Do not collect toilet paper in the garbage, throw it in the toilet and clean the toilet with plenty of water. Wash your hands with plenty of soap and water without touching anything. Rinse the sink with plenty of water.
Separate your soap, toothbrush and towel you use. Wash your underwear and bedding separately from other laundry and rinse with plenty of water. Prevent your used items such as spoons, forks, knives, plates and glasses from being used by others and wash them separately with plenty of water. If, unexpectedly, you have to go to a healthcare facility due to another illness, including dental treatments, inform the personnel who will take care of you that you have recently received radioactive iodine treatment (this applies even if you go to the same hospital where you received the treatment).
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