The thyroid processes iodine.
Addison's disease is treated using the oral administration of radioactive iodine to destroy thyroid cells.
Radioactive iodine treatment involves ingesting a radioactive form of iodine that is absorbed by the thyroid gland. The radiation emitted by the iodine destroys thyroid cells, which can be beneficial for treating conditions such as hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer. It is a common and effective treatment option with low risks and side effects.
Radioactive iodine.
Iodine (regardless of whether it is radioactive or not) tends to concentrate in the thyroid gland. Radioactive iodine can thus lead to thyroid cancer if left unchecked. Fortunately you can generally flush out the radioactive iodine with normal "cold" iodine. We tend to get much of our iodine from salt which is "iodised". Interestingly in some cases when a patient has an overactive thyroid, or indeed in thryoid cancer patients, the thyroid can be chemically ablated by the use of radioactive iodine since it concentrates there naturally.
The thyroid gland is most likely harmed by exposure to radioactive iodine. Radioactive iodine can be absorbed by the thyroid gland, leading to an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer or other thyroid disorders.
Tc99m and I131 arent used in thyroid uptake and scan. Specically I123 is used to evaluate thyroid uptake and is also used to perform a scan mostly in addition to a pinhole collimator. Tc99m can be used just for the purpose of size and shape of thyroid but ultrasound is more specific for that and does not introduce a dose of radiation to the patient.
Iodine tablets are taken by individuals who have just been or are being exposed to radioactive materials that include radioactive iodine. In nuclear fission reactors, uranium (or sometimes plutonium) fission to create energy. When these fuel atoms split (fission), there are a number of fission products that can result, including a radioactive isotope of iodine. In a reactor accident that includes a meltdown and the release of radioactive fission products into the environment, radioactive iodine can be present. By taking iodine tablets, an individual who is exposed to radioactive iodine that was released in a nuclear reactor accident can avoid having his body absorb this radioactive material. Taking iodine tablets keeps iodine levels in the body high, and the thyroid gland, which absorbs iodine, high. This effectively prevents radioactive iodine from being absorbed and taken up by the thyroid. As absorbing radioactive iodine can lead to thyroid cancer, taking iodine tablets is a good shield against uptake of the radioactive isotope.
Radioactive iodine is taken up by the thyroid gland because it is the only tissue in the body that can absorb and store iodine to make thyroid hormones. Other tissues do not have this ability, so they are not affected by radioactive iodine treatment.
Radioactive iodine is dangerous because it can be easily absorbed by the thyroid gland, causing damage to the cells and potentially leading to the development of thyroid cancer. Exposure to high levels of radioactive iodine can also increase the risk of various other health issues such as thyroid disorders and genetic mutations.
The thyroid gland absorbs iodine. As some radioactive iodine is being emitted into the environment from the reactor accident at Fukushima, Japan, there is a chance that people's thyroid glands will absorb the radioactive iodine. That is unless those people saturate their glands with enough non-radioactive iodine first so that the thyroid cannot absorb any more.
Radioactive iodine is a treatment option used for those with hyperthyroidism and the thyroid autoimmune condition Graves' disease. Radioactive iodine treatment can also be used for those dealing with thyroid cancer. It is given orally, usually in a capsule form, and absorbed in the bloodstream. It then enters the thyroid gland and gradually destroys the thyroid cells, which will cause the thyroid to become hypothyroid.Related Article: Radioactive Iodine Treatment and Hyperthyroidism
Basically, radioactive iodine is used to kill cancer cells, and thyroid tissue.