Definitions for "Radioactive iodine"
Pronunciation: (RAY-dee-o-AK-tiv EYE-uh-dine) A radioactive form of iodine, often used for imaging tests and sometimes for breast cancer. For imaging tests, the person takes a small dose of radioactive iodine that collects in breast tumors and can be detected by a scanner. Radioactive iodine is also used in internal radiation therapy for prostate cancer, intraocular (eye) melanoma, and carcinoid tumors like breast cancer. The radioactive iodine is given by infusion or sealed in seeds, which are surgically placed in or near the breast tumor to kill cancer cells.
Chemically depicted as 131I, this form of iodine is radioactive, which means it emits intense energy due to chemical reactions in the nucleus. It is often used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.
A radioactive form of iodine, often used for imaging tests or as a treatment for thyroid cancer and certain other cancers. For imaging tests, the patient takes a small dose of radioactive iodine that collects in thyroid cells and certain kinds of tumors and can be detected by a scanner. For treatment of thyroid cancer, the patient takes a large dose of radioactive iodine, which kills thyroid cells. Radioactive iodine is also used in internal radiation therapy for prostate cancer, intraocular (eye) melanoma, and carcinoid tumors. The radioactive iodine is given by infusion or sealed in seeds, which are placed in or near the tumor to kill cancer cells.