Uses of the Radioactive Iodine 131

Radioactive iodine 131 is one of the most important isotopes in the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, radioactive iodine 131 has a very short half-life of about eight days, which means that it decays almost completely in the environment within months 1. Radioactive iodine 131 is widely used for medical purposes.

Treatment of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. As a result, the body’s rate of metabolism is accelerated and presents with sudden weight loss, a rapid or irregular heart rate, sweating and nervousness or irritability. Physicians use radioactive iodine 131 to slow the overproduction of thyroxine. The staff of RadiologyInfo explains that a team of specialists, including a radiologist, possibly endocrinologist, oncologist and thyroid surgeon oversee the treatment 4. When a patient swallows a prescribed dose of radioactive iodine 131, the majority of the isotope is absorbed by the body. Most of the residual is excreted through the urine during the first two days following the procedure. Any remaining amounts are eliminated through the saliva, sweat, tears, vaginal secretions and feces. A patient is advised to avoid close, prolonged contact with other people for several days following treatment.

Treatment of Thyroid Cancer

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Rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells, are highly sensitive to radiation exposure. The staff of the World Nuclear Association states that short range radiation therapy, also referred to as brachytherapy, is becoming the main treatment for thyroid cancer 3. Radioactive iodine 131 is commonly used to treat thyroid cancer. The isotope is directly implanted or administered to the target area. Brachytherapy reduces overall radiation to the body, localizes radiation to the tumor and is cost effective.

Diagnostic Imaging

The thyroid gland absorbs iodine. For this reason, a radioactive iodine uptake test is a useful diagnostic imaging procedure. Nuclear medicine is a division of diagnostic imaging that uses small amounts of radioactive isotopes, such as radioactive iodine 131, to diagnose a variety of diseases and abnormalities in the body. The isotope or radiotracer is injected into a vein, swallowed or inhaled as a gas. After a brief rest period of less than 30 minutes, the radiotracer accumulates in the body and gives off energy in the form of gamma rays. The energy is detected with a PET scanner, gamma camera or a probe. Together with a computer, the amount of radiotracer that is absorbed is measured and images of the thyroid are produced. The radiotracer breaks down naturally and is eliminated in urine and feces during the first few hours or days following the procedure.