Radioactive iodine is a common treatment for thyroid cancer after the thyroid cancer surgery. We take advantage of the fact that the thyroid gland needs iodine to make thyroid hormone. In this video, Dr. Clayman discusses when to consider radioactive iodine in the treatment of thyroid cancer. Most of the common thyroid cancers will take up iodine just like normal thyroid cells. When you take a radioactive iodine pill, the radioactive iodine can go directly to thyroid tissue and thyroid cancer cells. The purpose of radioactive iodine is to kill any thyroid tissue and most importantly to kill any thyroid cancer cells that may still be in your neck. Radioactive iodine is not necessary for all thyroid cancers. Radioactive iodine is typically used for thyroid cancer that has grown outside of the thyroid gland, for example into the muscle on top of the thyroid gland. This observation, however, relies upon the expertise of the surgeon. Radioactive iodine is also indicated when the thyroid cancer has spread to lymph nodes or to distant sites.

Your thyroid surgeon’s experience and observations will play a critical role in determining whether you should have radioactive iodine therapy. Your endocrinologist will manage the administration of the radioactive iodine. It will not make you sick, and will not make your hair fall out.