One of the treatments for thyroid cancer is radioiodine-131, which has good effects on residual cancer cells. However, since iodine-131 is a radioactive substance, many patients and their families are concerned about the radiation effects of patients on the surrounding population after treatment, which poses a threat to families and friends. Today we answer that question.
What is iodine-131 treatment?
Iodine-131 treatment is a radiotherapy method that uses radioisotope Iodine-131 for target-oriented treatment, usually for thyroid cancer patients, especially after the end of the thyroid hysterectomy. Iodine-131 can be efficiently absorbed by thyroid tissue, thus killing residual cancer cells and thyroid tissues.
In the course of treatment, patients usually require an oral dose of iodine-131, with common doses ranging from 100 to 150 mCi. Within days of treatment, a certain amount of radioactive material remains in the patient ‘ s body, and special attention is required to avoid the effects of radiation on others.
What are the levels of exposure to people around the hospital after the treatment of iodine-131?
For patients receiving iodine-131 treatment, the hospital usually monitors the patient ‘ s radiation and allows the patient to be discharged when the dose is sufficiently low. After the discharge of the patient, the radiation effects on the surrounding population largely depend on the amount of iodine-131 left in the patient ‘ s body, distance from others and exposure time.
Radiation intensity decreases with distance:
The radiation intensity of radioiodine-131 decreases rapidly with increasing distance. Normally, it is recommended to maintain a distance of more than 1-2 metres from the patient, which would significantly reduce the radiation exposure.
Radiation doses in the safe range:
Radioactivity in patients following discharge has been monitored by hospitals to ensure that they do not pose a threat to public safety. In general, the radiation doses from patients to others are extremely low and do not have a significant impact on human health.
Reduced time for close contact:
Although radiation doses are low, in order to further reduce the effects on others, it is recommended that close contact time with others, in particular groups that are more radiation-sensitive, such as pregnant women and children, be minimized during the first days of treatment. Attention after discharge
After Iodine-131 treatment, in order to better protect family and friends, patients should follow the following recommendations:
Maintaining appropriate distance: Keep as far as possible 1-2 metres away from others, especially when dealing with pregnant women and children. Reduction of common goods: Avoid sharing with others items such as utensils, bedding, etc. to reduce indirect contact with radioactive material. Reasonable use of a toilet: When a patient uses a toilet, he/she shall be flushed several times to keep him/her healthy and avoid the effects of iodine-131 in the urine. Avoid long-term intimacy: avoid long-term close contact with family members, such as hugs, kisses, etc., during the first few days after treatment. What are the actual radiation effects?
The half-life of radioiodine-131 is eight days, which means that iodine-131 will be halved in the body within eight days. Thus, in the weeks following treatment, iodine-131 will gradually decline in the body and the radiation effects will decrease. Hospitals have very strict standards for the discharge of patients, ensuring that the dose of radiation caused by patients to others is well below the level accepted by the public. Thus, for the families and friends of the patients, the radiation effects are minimal and do not require excessive concern.
Conclusions
The treatment of iodine-131 for thyroid cancer is a safe and effective treatment, and the effects of radiation after treatment are strictly controlled. For family and friends, radiation effects can be effectively avoided if appropriate distance is maintained and close contact is reduced, as recommended by doctors. In the vast majority of cases, the radiation doses to the surrounding population are extremely low and do not adversely affect health. Family and friends are thus able to accompany the patient in a safe and secure manner through the recovery phase.
Thyroid cancer
