Side Effects Of Iodine Radiation Therapy For Thyroid Cancer

Low sperm counts in men.

Side effects of iodine radiation therapy for thyroid cancer. If you have neck tenderness over the counter pain. It can happen all at once or come on slowly. Rarely men receiving high doses can lose fertility. Side effects of radioactive iodine the most common side effect of radioactive iodine may seem ironic yet it makes perfect sense hypothyroidism.

The side effects of radioactive iodine treatment vary depending on your age whether you have other medical conditions and the dose of radioactive iodine you have. Side effects of radiation therapy will depend mainly on the type and dose of radiation therapy used. Side effects of external beam radiation therapy include. Trouble swallowing dry mouth hoarseness and fatigue are also potential side effects of external beam radiation therapy aimed at or near the thyroid.

Changes to menstrual periods in women. Side effects from radioactive iodine include. Some side effects of radioactive iodine therapy include. Dry mouth will commonly last for over a week after a radioiodine ablation however it will resolve naturally with time.

Neck tenderness and swelling. Loss of taste or taste change. Temporary side effects of rai may include. To reduce the risk of side effects doctors carefully figure out the exact dose needed and aim the beam as accurately as they can to hit the target.

What precautions should be taken with radioactive iodine therapy. The radiation dose used here is much stronger than the one used in radioiodine scans which are described in tests for thyroid cancer. Dry mouth insufficient salivary production. This is a lifelong treatment that is safe reliable and inexpensive.

Xerostomia is the most common side effect of radioactive iodine treatments due to the salivary glands being exposed to radiation and decreasing saliva production. Many people who get radiation therapy have fatigue. Some people experience side effects from radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer but these problems usually only last a short time. Inflammation of the salivary glands dry mouth and changes to your taste.

Damage to healthy cells can cause side effects. Women are advised against getting pregnant for one year after a high dose. Skin problems such as red irritated and peeling skin. The rai collects mainly in thyroid cells where the radiation can destroy the thyroid gland and any other thyroid cells including cancer cells that take up iodine with little effect on the rest of your body.

The radioactive iodine often kills an excessive amount of thyroid cells leaving the thyroid unable to produce enough hormones the opposite problem you had before. Radiation not only kills or slows the growth of cancer cells it can also affect nearby healthy cells. Fatigue is feeling exhausted and worn out. Excessive tearing from the eyes.