Iodine 131 Medical Uses
What is it? Radioisotope Emits Beta particles and weak gamma rays Has a half life of eight days Used to treat hyperthyroidism and some thyroid cancers What is it?
What is it? In pure form is a solid Purple-black crystals When heated, turns directly into a gas, skipping the liquid stage Is produced commercially – is a by-product of nuclear fission What is it?
Uses in Medicine Used to treat hyperthyroidism Used to treat some thyroid cancers Follicular Thyroid Cancer Papillary Thyroid Cancer Iodine is absorbed by the thyroid gland, meaning that the radiation will not effect other parts of the body. Uses in Medicine
Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland is overactive, meaning that metabolism happens very quickly. Previous treatments involve surgery to remove the thyroid gland Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism Treatment using Iodine 131: Patient swallows one predetermined dose of I-131 Patient is kept in isolation for several days – allows radiation to wear off Once released, patients are encouraged to stay away from small children and pregnant women, as some radiation will remain for 3-6 months. Patients normally only require one dose, but sometimes a second is needed I-131 completely destroys the thyroid gland. Thyroid tables are needed to be taken for the rest of the patients life. Hyperthyroidism
Thyroid cancer Can only be used to treat two types of Thyroid cancer Follicular Thyroid Cancer Papillary Thyroid Cancer Treatment is the same as Hyperthyroidism Thyroid cancer
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