1. < Thyroid Cancer

Is Radioactive Iodine treatment used for all types of Thyroid Cancer?

Posted by trosborn21 @trosborn21, Feb 21 3:24am

Quick question..
I haven’t received a solidified diagnosis yet as to which kind of thyroid cancer I have yet but does everyone go through radioactive iodine treatment?
If my doctor suggests that there is no need for it… should I push to have RAI?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Thyroid Cancer Support Group.

koh | @koh | Feb 22 6:52am

Hi,
I don’t think everyone goes through RAI….however based on what I have read, it seems like it’s one preventative type procedure to reduce cancer spread. If the cancer is self contained, I don’t know if they always need to do it. Did you just have a thyroidectomy? If so, it takes a little while for the biopsies to come back….they should know shortly. If it has been a while since you had surgery and you have not been told what type of cancer you have….maybe they are running additional tests? …..maybe it’s not cancer (that would be nice!).

As for asking for RAI…..in my opinion, it’s always good to weigh the pros and the cons of the procedure because it can affect other organs in the area (i.e., voice, swallowing, etc.) . If and when you get a diagnosis it is probably best to go with what the doctor thinks you should do for follow-up; and if you are not comfortable, go for a second opinion. In my opinion, every procedure has an impact on the surrounding structures, so sometimes a more cautious approach is better. Radiation fries the area so if it is not necessary, why ask for it.
Hearing you have cancer and not knowing the type is certainly stressful! I am hopeful that you get answers soon. Good Luck!

REPLY
2 replies
trosborn21 | @trosborn21 | Feb 23 8:32am
In reply to @koh "Hi, I don’t think everyone goes through RAI….however based on what I have read, it seems..." + (show)
@koh

Hi,
I don’t think everyone goes through RAI….however based on what I have read, it seems like it’s one preventative type procedure to reduce cancer spread. If the cancer is self contained, I don’t know if they always need to do it. Did you just have a thyroidectomy? If so, it takes a little while for the biopsies to come back….they should know shortly. If it has been a while since you had surgery and you have not been told what type of cancer you have….maybe they are running additional tests? …..maybe it’s not cancer (that would be nice!).

As for asking for RAI…..in my opinion, it’s always good to weigh the pros and the cons of the procedure because it can affect other organs in the area (i.e., voice, swallowing, etc.) . If and when you get a diagnosis it is probably best to go with what the doctor thinks you should do for follow-up; and if you are not comfortable, go for a second opinion. In my opinion, every procedure has an impact on the surrounding structures, so sometimes a more cautious approach is better. Radiation fries the area so if it is not necessary, why ask for it.
Hearing you have cancer and not knowing the type is certainly stressful! I am hopeful that you get answers soon. Good Luck!

Jump to this post

Thank you so much! Your advice makes me feel much better about what my doctor will recommend. I have a total thyroidectomy on March 5th. I really appreciate your response!

REPLY
Kelly | @19nanny73 | Mar 1 7:12pm
In reply to @koh "Hi, I don’t think everyone goes through RAI….however based on what I have read, it seems..." + (show)
@koh

Hi,
I don’t think everyone goes through RAI….however based on what I have read, it seems like it’s one preventative type procedure to reduce cancer spread. If the cancer is self contained, I don’t know if they always need to do it. Did you just have a thyroidectomy? If so, it takes a little while for the biopsies to come back….they should know shortly. If it has been a while since you had surgery and you have not been told what type of cancer you have….maybe they are running additional tests? …..maybe it’s not cancer (that would be nice!).

As for asking for RAI…..in my opinion, it’s always good to weigh the pros and the cons of the procedure because it can affect other organs in the area (i.e., voice, swallowing, etc.) . If and when you get a diagnosis it is probably best to go with what the doctor thinks you should do for follow-up; and if you are not comfortable, go for a second opinion. In my opinion, every procedure has an impact on the surrounding structures, so sometimes a more cautious approach is better. Radiation fries the area so if it is not necessary, why ask for it.
Hearing you have cancer and not knowing the type is certainly stressful! I am hopeful that you get answers soon. Good Luck!

Jump to this post

Not all types of thyroid cancer are receptive to iodine therapy. Specifically, Hurthle Cell Carcinoma is one known for lower instances of positive iodine uptake. Immunotherapy infusion is a more common treatment, better tolerated.

REPLY
1 reply
trosborn21 | @trosborn21 | Mar 2 5:43am

Thank you so much! I wasn’t sure if RAI was used for each type except for Medullary.
Thank you for the information:)

REPLY
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 8 8:20pm
In reply to @19nanny73 "Not all types of thyroid cancer are receptive to iodine therapy. Specifically, Hurthle Cell Carcinoma is..." + (show)
@19nanny73

Not all types of thyroid cancer are receptive to iodine therapy. Specifically, Hurthle Cell Carcinoma is one known for lower instances of positive iodine uptake. Immunotherapy infusion is a more common treatment, better tolerated.

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Welcome @19nanny73. Have you had or been recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer?

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trosborn21 | @trosborn21 | Mar 9 5:26am

I just got great news before my surgery on Tuesday (March 5th)! My diagnosis went from Medullary Thyroid cancer to Papillary! The nodule played nice and stayed engulfed in cystic fluid in my right lobe! I had my right lobe removed and the naughty nodule went with it:) At this time, no other meds or surgeries are needed! This was such a relief as I lost my beautiful mom to brain cancer in November! She was definitely my guardian angel!

REPLY
3 replies
koh | @koh | Mar 9 7:29am
In reply to @trosborn21 "I just got great news before my surgery on Tuesday (March 5th)! My diagnosis went from..." + (show)
@trosborn21

I just got great news before my surgery on Tuesday (March 5th)! My diagnosis went from Medullary Thyroid cancer to Papillary! The nodule played nice and stayed engulfed in cystic fluid in my right lobe! I had my right lobe removed and the naughty nodule went with it:) At this time, no other meds or surgeries are needed! This was such a relief as I lost my beautiful mom to brain cancer in November! She was definitely my guardian angel!

Jump to this post

That’s great!

REPLY
nash59 | @nash59 | Mar 13 6:38pm
In reply to @trosborn21 "I just got great news before my surgery on Tuesday (March 5th)! My diagnosis went from..." + (show)
@trosborn21

I just got great news before my surgery on Tuesday (March 5th)! My diagnosis went from Medullary Thyroid cancer to Papillary! The nodule played nice and stayed engulfed in cystic fluid in my right lobe! I had my right lobe removed and the naughty nodule went with it:) At this time, no other meds or surgeries are needed! This was such a relief as I lost my beautiful mom to brain cancer in November! She was definitely my guardian angel!

Jump to this post

that is great news. Hope you are recovering well. I had Follicular carcinoma with vascular invasion. My lump came up quickly and grew fast. A fine needle biopsy revealed no cancer, however it was large (luckily) so it needed to come out. A month later the path came back and I had surgery to remove my left thyroid as well. Because of my age, 64, the size and the kind I did have RAI. My surgery was June and July. I'm still trying to recover. I'm glad no other surgery or meds needed!! And my condolences to you on your mom. I know this journey for you had to be so full of anxiety. Happy day!

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1 reply
trosborn21 | @trosborn21 | Mar 14 4:49am

I hope all is going well with you and you have a 100% healthy recovery!
My surgeon called yesterday and the pathology report came back that I had Papillary thyroid cancer.. all markers looked good. The left side nodule doesn’t appear to have cancer. The right lobe is out and I’m recovering well!
Good vibes and prayers for you!

REPLY
Lynne Marie | @lbrockme | Mar 14 10:31am
In reply to @trosborn21 "I just got great news before my surgery on Tuesday (March 5th)! My diagnosis went from..." + (show)
@trosborn21

I just got great news before my surgery on Tuesday (March 5th)! My diagnosis went from Medullary Thyroid cancer to Papillary! The nodule played nice and stayed engulfed in cystic fluid in my right lobe! I had my right lobe removed and the naughty nodule went with it:) At this time, no other meds or surgeries are needed! This was such a relief as I lost my beautiful mom to brain cancer in November! She was definitely my guardian angel!

Jump to this post

Wonderful news. Praying for a quick and continued recovery .

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