Why Is Radioactive Iodine-131 Therapy Required After Total Thyroidectomy?
Oct 22, 2020
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yuan Xianping
Introduction
In general, total thyroidectomy often leaves behind some residual thyroid tissue. Radioactive iodine-131 (¹³¹I) can eliminate this residual tissue via its beta radiation, thereby reducing the risk of recurrence. Additionally, approximately one week after ¹³¹I treatment, a whole-body iodine scan can be performed to assess for possible metastatic lesions in cervical lymph nodes, lungs, or other sites.
Both differentiated thyroid carcinoma and normal thyroid tissue exhibit a strong capacity to uptake iodine-131.
However, even after total thyroidectomy, some residual thyroid tissue typically remains. Iodine-131 can eliminate this residual tissue via beta radiation, thereby reducing the risk of recurrence.
Additionally, approximately one week after iodine-131 therapy, a whole-body iodine scan can be performed to assess for potential metastatic lesions in cervical lymph nodes, lungs, or other sites.
