Radiation Therapy for Graves’ Disease
Radiation therapy for thyroid conditions uses radioactive iodine. It may be used as a treatment for hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) that happens with Graves’ disease and for some thyroid cancers.
Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy specifically targets thyroid cells to destroy them. The thyroid normally takes up natural iodine that may be in food. With RAI therapy, the thyroid takes up the radioactive iodine. Radioactive iodine can come as a pill or liquid to be swallowed, or as an injection given through a vein. The radiation in the iodine then destroys thyroid cells. This may help shrink overactive nodules or tumors in the thyroid. Radioactive iodine may also permanently destroy healthy thyroid tissue in addition to nodules and tumors. This results in many people having hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and requiring thyroid hormone pills for the rest of their lives.
The doctor will provide specific instructions to prepare for RAI therapy. In general, here’s what to expect:
To prepare for RAI therapy, the doctor may tell you to:
- Have blood tests to check thyroid levels.
- Stop medications to treat hyperthyroidism.
- Eat a certain type of diet low in iodine.
- Take medicine to help prevent nausea or vomiting with RAI.
- If applicable, take a pregnancy test to be sure you are not pregnant since RAI is not safe during pregnancy.
- If applicable, stop breastfeeding.
RAI therapy is usually given in a radiology clinic, although some people may stay in the hospital. In the clinic, you may be given a pill or liquid to swallow, or an intravenous (IV) line may be inserted and used to inject radioactive iodine. You usually will stay in the clinic for a few hours before going home.
Radioactive iodine stays in the body for a few days. Most of it leaves your body through urine. Some radioactive iodine may enter spit and sweat. After receiving RAI therapy, the doctor may tell you to:
- Be prepared for side effects. RAI may cause short-term side effects including neck tenderness or swelling, dry mouth, dry eyes, stomach pain, and changes in taste. RAI generally is not painful, although some people may feel discomfort like a sore throat. The doctor will let you know how to manage short-term side effects if they occur and symptoms for calling the doctor.
- Stay away (keep a physical distance) from other people for a few hours after treatment. It is especially important to keep more distance away from people who are pregnant and from children.
- Avoid prolonged close physical contact with others for a few days. This may involve sleeping alone, avoiding intimate contact, or avoiding long car trips or a few days.
- Drink extra fluids to help the body get rid of radioactive iodine through urine.
- Bathe or shower daily to help cleanse radioactive iodine that may be in sweat.
- Wash bedsheets, towels, and clothes daily and separately from other items.
As part of follow-up after RAI therapy, the doctor will check blood tests for the level of thyroid hormone in your body. If it is low, the doctor may prescribe thyroid pills.
This is general information about RAI therapy. It is important to consult with the doctor to raise concerns or ask questions about the procedure, how to prepare for it, and what to expect for the recovery period based on your individual situation.