Radio-Iodine is used to treat Thyroid Cancer, it not used to treat any other cancer.  This treatment is called Radio-Iodine Ablation
This treatment is used to destroy any remaining normal thyroid tissues or microscopic thyroid cancer, whilst also reducing the risk of the cancer returning. Most patients will be admitted, but for a small proportion, who are having a lower dose of treatment, you may be able to stay at home. 

Radio-Iodine Treatment 

  • is given after you have had your thyroid surgically removed
  • is given in capsule form, which you swallow
  • is given at Freeman hospital in Newcastle 
  • you will be admitted to hospital in the Radiation suite, this is a precaution to prevent other people being exposed to the radiation
  • the radiation leaves your body by body fluids such as urine and faeces (poo)
  • the radiation level decreases very quickly

Click here to watch a video from our teams about Thyroid.