Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism and the risk of cancer

In the May 15 issue of Cancer is a 10 year follow up report on patients treated with radioactive iodine (RAI) for hyperthyroidism, showing an excess in cancer incidence. There was a 5 year latent period after treatment before increasing cancer rates began to be seen. The absolute risk was low, with the number needed to harm being 418.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Good evening. I am a patient with hyperthyrodism problem which will be scheduled for radioactive iodine next week.

I was researching all kinds of possibilities and risk after taking the RAI medication.

I have checked almost every site regarding RAI side effects, my doctor could not even assure about the risk possibilities, it seems that it makes me more confused due to different answers regarding leukemia and infertility issue. Some sites says its SAFE but some says theres a chance of the bad effects said.

What is the real answer... Is Radio active iodine SAFE for my sperm and leukemia issue or not?!

thanks...