What is thyroid cancer?
Thyroid cancer is caused by abnormal cells in the thyroid gland that grow excessively.
Thyroid gland is located at the neck, just anteriorly to the trachea. It produces thyroid hormones which control your metabolism and adjust your heart rate and temperature.
How can radioactive iodine cure thyroid cancer?
The common types of thyroid cancer that can be treated with radioactive iodine are papillary and follicular. The treatment is done after the thyroidectomy. The aim is to destroy the thyroid remnant that might left after the surgery. Moreover, this radiation can be detected with a scanner and we use that to evaluate the metastasis.
What are side effects of the radioactive iodine?
Mild nausea. You could be prescribed antiemetic drugs.
Cheek swelling. Radioactive iodine may damage the salivary glands and cause inflammation. This could happen on the second day after the treatment.
Dry mouth. This could happen from the sialadenitis as well. Dry mouth might occur if you receive high dose radiation. You can prevent this condition by drinking a lot of water. Dy mouth cab occur immediately or months after the treatment. This symptom is rarely permanent.
Change of taste. Usually spontaneously resolved. You should eat a variety of food to satisfy your nutritional needs.
Neck swelling. Usually occur in 2 weeks. The duration depends on the amount of the thyroid remnant. Analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen could help.
Can pregnant or lactation women receive the treatment?
Pregnancy and lactation are contraindication for radioactive iodine treatment. The patient should on contraception for at least 6 months after the treatment. In the long term, radiation will not effect the fertility. For lactation, the patient should stop breastfeeding for 1-2 months before the treatment and should not continue breastfeeding.
Can radioactive iodine treatment affect men’s fertility?
You should stop conception for at least 4 months after the treatment. There is no effect in the long term, unless you receive multiple treatments, you may be exposed to low risk. Please consult your doctor if you plan to have children.
WASIT MD 
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