What is a RAI ablation?

What is a RAI ablation?

What is radioiodine ablation? Radioiodine ablation is radiation therapy in which radioactive iodine is administered to destroy or ablate residual healthy thyroid tissue remaining after thyroidectomy.

What are the side effects of RAI treatment?

Short-term side effects of RAI treatment may include:

• Neck tenderness and swelling.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Swelling and tenderness of the salivary glands.
• Dry mouth.
• Taste changes.

Is RAI therapy painful?

Some people may have a feeling of tightness or swelling in their neck for a few days after treatment. This is more common if you still had a large part of your thyroid gland when you have radioactive iodine treatment. Some people also feel flushed. Rarely, people can feel pain in their neck.

How long does RAI treatment take?

This may take 8 to 12 weeks or longer. If your thyroid hormone level does not go down after 6 months, you may need another dose of radioactive iodine.

Why is radioactive iodine ablation done?

RAI ablation cures hyperthyroidism by destroying the hyperactive thyroid cells. The goal of RAI ablation for hyperthyroidism is to destroy the thyroid and make the patient hypothyroid (i.e. no functioning thyroid tissue).

Is Rai a radiation?

Although the treatments with 131-I are generally safe, RAI produces radiation so patients must do their best to avoid radiation exposure to others, particularly to pregnant women and young children.

Can Rai cause other cancers?

Patients treated with radioactive iodine also have an increased risk of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), stomach cancer, and salivary gland cancer.

How long is radiation after Rai?

Most radiation from the RAI is gone in about one week. Ask your doctor about ways to protect your salivary glands, which also absorb the RAI.