Side Effects Of Iodine Radiation Therapy For Thyroid Cancer

Swelling in the neck.

Side effects of iodine radiation therapy for thyroid cancer.

Side effects of radiation therapy will depend mainly on the type and dose of radiation therapy used. Temporary side effects of rai may include. Some people may have one or more of the following short term side effects. Inflammation of the salivary glands dry mouth and changes to your taste.

Radiation not only kills or slows the growth of cancer cells it can also affect nearby healthy cells. Dry mouth insufficient salivary production. Side effects from radioactive iodine include. Damage to healthy cells can cause side effects.

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. 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. Excessive tearing from the eyes. Skin problems such as red irritated and peeling skin.

Side effects of external beam radiation therapy include. Many people who get radiation therapy have fatigue. Trouble swallowing dry mouth hoarseness and fatigue are also potential side effects of external beam radiation therapy aimed at or near the thyroid. Some people experience side effects from radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer but these problems usually only last a short time.

The radiation dose used here is much stronger than the one used in radioiodine scans which are described in tests for thyroid cancer. 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. Xerostomia is the most common side effect of radioactive iodine treatments due to the salivary glands being exposed to radiation and decreasing saliva production. Low sperm counts in men.

If you have neck tenderness over the counter pain. 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. Side effects of radioactive iodine the most common side effect of radioactive iodine may seem ironic yet it makes perfect sense hypothyroidism. Rarely men receiving high doses can lose fertility.

Women are advised against getting pregnant for one year after a high dose. Loss of taste or taste change. Fatigue is feeling exhausted and worn out. Changes to menstrual periods in women.

Dry mouth will commonly last for over a week after a radioiodine ablation however it will resolve naturally with time. Mild nausea during the first day swelling and pain in the neck where thyroid cells remain and dry mouth. Some side effects of radioactive iodine therapy include. Neck tenderness and swelling.