Radioactive iodine therapy is typically used to treat which condition?

Radioactive iodine therapy is typically used to treat which condition?

• A. Hyperthyroidism
• B. Hypothyroidism
• C. Goiter without hyperthyroidism
• D. Thyroid cancer

Answer: (A)

Radioactive iodine therapy works because the thyroid uniquely concentrates iodine from the bloodstream. When a radioactive form is given, the thyroid takes it up and the radiation damages the overactive thyroid cells, reducing hormone production and shrinking the gland. This makes it a common and effective treatment for hyperthyroidism, such as in Graves’ disease or toxic nodular goiter. It’s not used to treat hypothyroidism (which would worsen it) or goiter without hyperthyroidism. In thyroid cancer, radioactive iodine can be used after surgery to ablate remaining thyroid tissue, but that use is distinct from the standard treatment for hyperthyroidism.

Radioactive iodine therapy works because the thyroid uniquely concentrates iodine from the bloodstream. When a radioactive form is given, the thyroid takes it up and the radiation damages the overactive thyroid cells, reducing hormone production and shrinking the gland. This makes it a common and effective treatment for hyperthyroidism, such as in Graves’ disease or toxic nodular goiter. It’s not used to treat hypothyroidism (which would worsen it) or goiter without hyperthyroidism. In thyroid cancer, radioactive iodine can be used after surgery to ablate remaining thyroid tissue, but that use is distinct from the standard treatment for hyperthyroidism.