Radioactive iodine therapy is used to destroy thyroid cells.
Radioactive iodine therapy can be used for thyroid cancer to kill cancer cells that remain after surgery has been done to remove the thyroid gland. It may also be used to treat an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).
Radioactive iodine is usually given as a liquid or capsule that is swallowed.
Radioactive iodine may be used to treat hyperthyroidism in people who have noncancerous (benign) thyroid nodules that make too much thyroid hormone.
Radioactive iodine is also used if you have your thyroid removed (thyroidectomy) because of thyroid cancer. Radioactive iodine therapy destroys any remaining thyroid tissue or cancer cells that were not removed during surgery.
Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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