Side Effects of Radioiodine Therapy
Radioiodine therapy is used for types of thyroid cancers such as Hurthle cell cancer (a rare form of thyroid cancer). A type of radioactive iodine I-131 is given to you either by capsule or liquid form. Once the iodine is taken into the body, the thyroid absorbs the iodine. According to the American Cancer Society, the iodine will destroy your thyroid gland, thyroid cells and any cancer cells that reside within the thyroid. Radioiodine can cause some temporary side effects after you initially receive treatment, though the effects are rare.
After Treatment
After treatment you may need to stay at a hospital. It is possible to expose others to small doses of radiation. According to the American Cancer Society, depending on how much radiation you have received, you may be required to stay in an isolation room to keep others from being exposed to radiation. Once you are allowed to return home, you will be told protect your family from radiation exposure.
Short Term Effects
Within a few days of receiving treatment, you may experience neck tenderness, dry mouth, sore throat, nausea and vomiting. Your salivary glands may swell and become tender. You may also notice taste changes. Chewing on a piece of gum or sucking on candy can help with salivary gland issues. Very rarely is pain experienced. According to the American Cancer Society, some people may also experience a change in tear formation, such as a reduction.
Reproductive Effects
For men who receive large quantities of radioiodine treatment, sperm count can become lowered. It is rare for men to develop infertility. Women can experience abnormal menstrual cycles after radioiodine treatment. Periods can become irregular for nearly a year after treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, pregnant women and breast-feeding women should not receive radioiodine treatment due to the potential risk of harming the fetus or newborn. If you have received radioiodine treatment and wish to conceive, it is best to wait for at least six months prior to conceiving.
Precautions
After you have received treatment, radiation can still emanate from the treated site for a few days after treatment. In an article published by Marc Coel, M.D. of the Diabetes & Hormone Center of the Pacific, you should keep one arm's length from the treated person if spending more than two hours with them in a 24 hour period. If you have been treated, avoid contact with pregnant women, children, going out to public places or sleeping with your partner for at least 11 days. Never share your food or eating utensils with family members during your treatment. Drink as much fluid as possible to excrete as much of the radiation from your system. If you spill urine upon the toilet, be sure to clean with a wipe.
Potential Risk
If you have received radioiodine therapy, you may have the risk of developing leukemia. However, according to the American Cancer Society, this risk is exceedingly rare. If you need additional treatment after having received radioiodine therapy, any potential risk increase of leukemia is still unknown.
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