Radioactive Iodine Therapy for Thyroid Cancer: Benefits & Risks

Radioactive iodine treats cancer of the thyroid, a gland located in the neck. According to the American Cancer Society, "Radioactive iodine therapy has been shown to improve the survival rate of patients with papillary or follicular thyroid cancer (differentiated thyroid cancer) that has spread to the neck or other body parts." Before undergoing iodine treatment for cancer, discuss its benefits and possible side effects with your doctor.

Significance

• Radioactive iodine targets the thyroid cells only. For that reason, doctors generally consider radioactive iodine safe and effective for treating thyroid cancer, notes the New York Thyroid Center.

Function

• Once in your body, iodine circulates through the bloodstream and is absorbed by the cancerous thyroid cells. There, the iodine's radioactivity destroys the cancer cells.

Administration

• To administer iodine for cancer treatment, your doctor will give you a drink, a pill or an injection, states CancerHelp.org.uk. To allow your body to absorb the iodine, you can't eat or drink for a couple of hours after treatment.

Time Frame

• After iodine treatment for cancer, your body will be radioactive for several days. Until your level of radioactivity drops, your doctor will monitor you in the hospital.

Side Effects

• Side effects of iodine treatment for cancer noted by the American Cancer Society include neck soreness, nausea, dry mouth and changes in your sense of taste.