Radioactive iodine treatment
Radioactive iodine is a type of internal radiotherapy. It uses a radioactive form of iodine called iodine 131 (I-131). It is only suitable for some types of thyroid cancer, including papillary and follicular thyroid cancer.
You usually have the radioactive iodine as a drink or capsule. You stay in hospital for a few days.
Preparing for radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer
You might need to have a low iodine diet for a few weeks before you have your treatment. Your thyroid stimulating hormone levels also need to be high before treatment.
Having radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer
You have radioactive iodine treatment in the hospital. You usually stay in for a few days.
After radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer
Your healthcare team will tell you about any safety precautions you need to follow after your radioactive iodine treatment.
