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Radioactive iodine therapy (I-131)

A treatment, not a scan: destroys overactive thyroid tissue or remaining thyroid cancer.

General health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency, call 102. Always consult a qualified health professional.

SmartAnswer by DigiNepal SI

A treatment, not a scan: destroys overactive thyroid tissue or remaining thyroid cancer. What it shows: A treatment, not a scan: destroys overactive thyroid tissue or remaining thyroid cancer. generated by SI from cited sources · general information, not a diagnosis · consult a health professional

Sources: SI health summary (own words); decoder imaging pack; RadiologyInfo.org and MedlinePlus as references only

What it shows

A treatment, not a scan: destroys overactive thyroid tissue or remaining thyroid cancer.

Why it is done

Hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer after surgery.

Preparation

A small radioactive tracer is injected or swallowed. Preparation depends on the test; tell staff if pregnant or breastfeeding, as feeding may need a pause.

Radiation & safety

Typical effective dose therapeutic dose; radiation safety advice is given mSv, similar to not comparable (treatment) of natural background radiation (about 3 mSv a year). Tell staff if you are or might be pregnant; the benefit usually outweighs the small risk, and shielding or alternatives can be considered.

How long it takes

outpatient or short admission. General information, not a diagnosis. Results must be interpreted by a qualified health worker.

Consult a doctor to interpret results — a single test does not make a diagnosis.

Related conditions

entry-health-condition-hyperthyroid

Where to get this near you

🏥 Care near you

Uses your location once to list the nearest facilities. Nothing is stored.

Common questions

Why is Radioactive iodine therapy (I-131) done?
Hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer after surgery.

How do I prepare for Radioactive iodine therapy (I-131)?
A small radioactive tracer is injected or swallowed. Preparation depends on the test; tell staff if pregnant or breastfeeding, as feeding may need a pause.

Is Radioactive iodine therapy (I-131) safe in pregnancy?
Typical effective dose therapeutic dose; radiation safety advice is given mSv, similar to not comparable (treatment) of natural background radiation (about 3 mSv a year). Tell staff if you are or might be pregnant; the benefit usually outweighs the small risk, and shielding or alternatives can be considered.

SI text CC BY 4.0; RadiologyInfo.org (ACR/RSNA) and MedlinePlus linked as references only, no text copied.

Sources: SI health summary (own words); decoder imaging pack; RadiologyInfo.org and MedlinePlus as references only

Emergency — call📞 102