In the treatment of thyroid pathologies, radioactive iodine can be used. This isotope has its own dangerous properties, so the procedure for its introduction into the body should be carried out exclusively under the supervision of a highly qualified doctor.
Radioactive iodine - treatment of thyroid gland
The procedure using an isotope has the following advantages:
- there is no rehabilitation period;
- on the skin there are no scars and other aesthetic defects;
- during its carrying out anesthetics are not used.
However, treatment with radioactive iodine has its drawbacks:
- Accumulation of the isotope is observed not only in the thyroid gland, but also in other tissues of the body, including in the ovaries and prostate. For this reason, the next six months after the procedure, patients should be carefully protected. In addition, the introduction of an isotope disrupts the production of hormones, which can adversely affect the development of the fetus. Women of childbearing age will have to postpone the conception of the child for 2 years.
- Due to the narrowing of the lacrimal ducts and changes in the functioning of the salivary glands, there may be disruptions in the operation of these body systems.
Radioactive (most often I-131) iodine is prescribed in the following cases:
- thyroid neoplasms;
- thyrotoxicosis;
- operations carried on the thyroid;
- hyperthyroidism ;
- diffuse toxic goiter ;
- risk of postoperative complications.
Treatment of thyrotoxicosis with radioactive iodine
Such therapy gives good results. To treat hyperthyroidism with radioactive iodine was effective, the dose of the I-131 gland absorbed by the tissues should be 30-40 g. This amount of isotope can enter the body at one-time or in fractional (2-3 sessions). After therapy, hypothyroidism may occur. In this case, patients are prescribed Levothyroxine.
According to statistics, those who are diagnosed with thyrotoxicosis , after treatment with an isotope 3-6 months later, the disease recurs. Such patients are prescribed repeated therapy with radioactive iodine. Using I-131 for more than 3 courses in the treatment of thyrotoxicosis has not been documented. In rare cases, patients with radioactive iodine therapy do not produce results. This is observed with the resistance of thyrotoxicosis to the isotope.
Treatment of thyroid cancer with radioactive iodine
Admission of the isotope is given only to those patients who have been diagnosed with oncological disease as a result of surgical intervention. More often such therapy is carried out at a high risk of recurrence of follicular or papillary cancer. Treatment of the thyroid gland with radioactive iodine is performed in the presence of residual tissues that absorb and accumulate I-131. Before this, scintigraphy is performed.
The isotope is administered to patients in this dosage:
- with therapy - 3,7 GBq;
- in the case when metastases struck the lymph nodes, - 5.55 GBq;
- with damage to bone tissue or lungs - 7.4 GBq.
Radioactive iodine after removal of the thyroid gland
I-131 is used to detect metastases. After 1-1,5 months after the surgery, scintigraphy using radioactive iodine is performed. This method of diagnosis is considered more effective. Radiography is a less reliable way to detect metastases. If the result is positive, radioactive iodine therapy is prescribed. Such treatment is aimed at the destruction of lesions.
Preparation for radioiodotherapy
The condition of the patient after treatment largely depends on compliance with the prescriptions of the doctor. Not the last role here is given to how well the preparation for the procedure was done. It includes compliance with such rules:
- Make sure that there is no pregnancy.
- If there is a baby, translate it for artificial feeding.
- Inform the doctor about all medications taken. 2-3 days before radioiodine therapy should stop their consumption.
- Adhere to a special diet.
- Do not treat wounds and cuts with iodine.
- It is forbidden to bathe in salt water and inhale the sea air. One week before the procedure should be abandoned walks on the coast.
In addition, a couple of days before the radioiodine therapy, the doctor will conduct a test, which will reveal the intensity of I-131 absorption by the patient's body. Immediately before the therapy with radioactive iodine of the thyroid gland is performed, it is necessary to pass an analysis of TSH in the morning. Also, 6 hours before the procedure, you should stop taking food, and from drinking water - for 2 hours.
Diet before radioactive iodine
Such a food system is prescribed 2 weeks before the procedure. It ends after 24 hours after therapy. The non-diode diet before treatment with radioactive iodine includes a ban on such foods:
- eggs and food containing them;
- seafood;
- red, motley and lima beans;
- chocolate and products where it is present;
- cheese, cream, ice cream and other milk;
- food, in the preparation of which iodized salt was added;
- soy products.
Radioactive iodine - how is the procedure performed
Reception I-131 occurs orally: the patient swallows the capsules in the gelatin shell containing the isotope. Such pills are odorless and tasteless. They should be swallowed by drinking two glasses of water (juice, soda and other drinks are unacceptable). You can not chew these capsules! In some cases, the treatment of toxic goiter with radioactive iodine is carried out using a chemical in liquid form. After taking this iodine, the patient needs to rinse the mouth well. In the nearest hour after the procedure, eating and drinking are forbidden.
For the patient, radioactive iodine is of great benefit - it helps to cope with the ailment. For the visitors of the patient and other contacting persons, the isotope is extremely dangerous. The half-life of this chemical element is 8 days. However, even after discharge from the hospital to protect others, the patient is recommended:
- Another week to forget about kissing and intimate relationships.
- Destroy the personal items used in the hospital (or put them in a tight plastic bag for 6-8 weeks).
- Reliably protected.
- Personal hygiene items should be kept separate from other family members.
Treatment with radioactive iodine of the thyroid gland - consequences
Because of the individual characteristics of the body, complications can occur after treatment. Radioactive iodine effects on the body creates the following:
- difficulty swallowing;
- swelling in the neck;
- nausea;
- lump in the throat;
- strong thirst;
- distortion of taste perception;
- vomiting.
Side effects of treatment with radioactive iodine
Although this method of therapy is considered safe for the patient, he has both sides of the "medal". Irradiation with radioactive iodine carries with it such problems:
- vision deteriorates;
- existing chronic ailments worsen;
- radioactive iodine contributes to weight gain;
- Muscular pain and fatigue are observed;
- the quality of blood deteriorates (the content of platelets and leukocytes decreases);
- on the background of a decrease in the production of hormones, depression and other mental disorders develop;
- in men, the number of active spermatozoa decreases (infertility cases are recorded);
- the risk of developing leukemia increases.
Which is better - radioactive iodine or surgery?
There is no unequivocal answer, because each case is individual. Only the doctor can determine what will be the most effective for this patient - radioactive iodine or surgery. Before choosing a method to combat the pathology of the thyroid gland, he will take into account various factors: the age of the patient, the presence of chronic diseases, the degree of defeat of the disease and so on. The doctor will tell the patient about the features of the chosen method and describe the consequences after the radioactive iodine.