Atom Treatment

Radioiodine therapy is known as atomic therapy among the population. While beta-rays emitted by radioactive iodine 131 were used for treatment; allows to obtain longer-range gamma rays images. Atom treatment is administered in the form of a capsule or liquid and taken orally. The liquid shape is water-tasting and does not disturb the patient.

Who can it be applied to?

Atom therapy is used in the case of hyperthyroidism (poisonous goiter) in which the thyroid gland runs very quickly and in the treatment of thyroid gland cancers. In the treatment of hyperthyroidism, low doses and thyroid cancer are administered in higher doses. The application of this treatment to pregnant and lactating patients is not correct. Apart from that, it can be applied to people of all ages and genders and can be repeated if necessary. An application with a calculated dose will usually be sufficient. However, in some patients the disease may be more resistant or widespread and may require multiple applications.
 

Are there any side effects of atom therapy?

Atom treatment may have some side effects. In rare cases, pain or tenderness may be observed in the neck for a temporary period. Swelling of the salivary glands may occur. Nausea may occur in people with stomach disease in the early period after treatment. However, avoiding or minimizing these effects is possible with some simple measures. After atomic therapy, patients may become pregnant, give birth and breastfeed. Patients are advised not to get pregnant for 6 months after treatment.
 

What is the process after atom treatment?

The dose taken by the patient remains in the specially prepared rooms for isolation, if the dose requires patient to be hospitalized. These rooms are generally bright and comfortable. These rooms have special materials on the walls and doors; but it is not noticeable from the outside. Patients can be discharged after the amount of radiation emitted from the radioiodine on the patient has decreased and the level below the legal dose limit that can be confused with the population. Although different for each patient, patients are usually discharged within 2-3 days.

What should be taken into account after discharge?

Depending on the dose of the patient, there are some rules that should be considered for approximately 1-2 weeks. Patient should not stay long-term in crowded environments, and should not be long-term and close with the household. Hygiene is another important factor. Given that the radioiodine is excreted in the urine, care should be taken to clean the toilet, cleaning the items such as laundry and cutlery.
 

Iodine-Poor Diet Before Radioiodine Treatment

Iodine-containing substances and foods pre-treatment should be restricted to the time recommended by the doctor. The aim is to increase the iodine starvation before treatment. After the treatment, it can be returned to normal feeding.
 

Iodine restriction suggestions

• Iodized salt (Non-Iodized salt can be used)
• Iodine-containing cough syrups and vitamin preparations
• Iodine-containing vitamins and mineral remedies
• Iodine dressings and mouthwashes
• Hair dyeing
• Tincture of iodine
• Seafood (Fish, Shrimp, etc.)
• Milk and milk products (milk, yogurt, buttermilk, etc.)
• Soy Sauce
• Canned food products, delicatessen
• Salted foods such as pickles, chips