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Radiation Therapy for Thyroid Cancer

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Radiation Therapy for Thyroid Cancer

Radiation therapy uses high-energy waves to destroy cells. It stops cancer cells from growing and dividing. Two kinds of radiation therapy treat thyroid cancer. One is given inside the body. The other is given from outside the body.

Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI Therapy)

RAI therapy uses radioactive iodine. Thyroid tissue naturally absorbs iodine. When the iodine is radioactive it can destroy thyroid cells, including cancer cells. Since the body sends most of the radioactive iodine to the thyroid, there is little harm to other tissue in the body. RAI may be given as pills or liquid.

RAI may be used after surgery for papillary or follicular thyroid cancer. It is used to kill any cells that were left in the body. This includes cancer in the thyroid or lymph nodes. It also includes thyroid cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body.

Side Effects

Side effects of RAI go away over time. They may include:

  • Giving off radiation until it passes out of the body
  • Pain or swelling in places where the iodine collects
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Swelling or pain in the neck or salivary glands
  • Dry mouth
  • Dry eyes
  • Loss of smell or taste
  • Slight increased risk of leukemia

Men who get large doses of RAI may have lower sperm counts. Rarely, it may lead to male infertility. Women may have irregular periods after RAI. They are often advised against getting pregnant for up to one year after treatment.

The care team will advise how to manage these side effects.

References

  • Anaplastic thyroid cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/anaplastic-thyroid-cancer.
  • External beam radiation therapy for thyroid cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at https://www.cancer.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer/treating/external-beam-radiation.html.
  • Follicular thyroid cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/follicular-thyroid-cancer-21.
  • General information about thyroid cancer. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/thyroid/patient/thyroid-treatment-pdq.
  • Medullary thyroid cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/medullary-thyroid-cancer.
  • Papillary thyroid cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/papillary-thyroid-cancer.
  • Radioactive iodine (radioiodine) therapy for thyroid cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer/treating/radioactive-iodine.html.
  • Treatment option overview. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/thyroid/patient/thyroid-treatment-pdq#section/_67.

Contributors

  • James Cornell, MD
Last Updated:
2023-08-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.