How much does it cost to undergo Iodine-131 treatment?

Update Date: 2024-05-23 Source: Network

1. Introduction to Iodine-131 Examination

There are many items involved in physical examinations, and different items target different conditions. Iodine-131 examination is a relatively common one. Before this examination, patients often need to undergo thyroid function tests, iodine absorption tests, liver function tests, and blood routine tests. Moreover, the cost of Iodine-131 examination varies depending on different cities and hospital levels. However, pregnant women and lactating women are not suitable for this examination.

2. Cost of Iodine-131 Examination

The cost of Iodine-131 treatment is generally around 2600 yuan. However, before this examination, some related tests need to be performed, such as thyroid function, iodine absorption rate, liver function, and blood routine tests, to determine whether Iodine-131 treatment is suitable. Therefore, the total cost may be around 3000 yuan. There are generally three treatment methods for hyperthyroidism: antithyroid drug therapy, Iodine-131 therapy, and surgical treatment. Iodine-131 is one of them.

3. What is Iodine-131 Examination

Iodine-131 treatment for hyperthyroidism is known as a "bloodless surgery". Apart from contraindications, the treatment may cause many complications with various harms. The main complication of Iodine-131 treatment for hyperthyroidism is hypothyroidism, which is caused by the destruction of the early glands and later autoimmune reactions. Hypothyroidism usually occurs 2 to 6 months after treatment, but it may also occur later or several years later. Generally, the incidence of hypothyroidism is about 4% to 5% in the first year after treatment, and it increases by 1% to 2% each year. Hypothyroidism can be divided into temporary and permanent types. Temporary hypothyroidism can usually recover spontaneously, while permanent hypothyroidism requires lifelong medication.

4. Side Effects of Iodine-131 Examination

1. Gastrointestinal reactions: This is the most common side effect during treatment, which is related to the direct stimulation of radioactive iodine on the gastrointestinal tract, mild gastrointestinal edema, and patients' psychological fear. Especially for people with weak constitution or gastrointestinal diseases, the incidence is higher. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which may occur several hours after taking the medicine and last for several days to weeks. Antiemetic agents can be used for symptomatic treatment, and a light diet and psychological counseling before treatment can help improve symptoms.

2. Neck swelling: This is caused by the absorption of radioactive iodine by residual thyroid tissue, resulting in inflammation, edema, and compression of surrounding tissues. It is more common in patients with more residual thyroid tissue after surgery. It is usually painless neck swelling that occurs within 48 hours after taking the medicine and can resolve spontaneously in most cases. However, severe cases may last for several weeks and require glucocorticoid treatment.

3. Parotid gland injury: The parotid gland directly or indirectly absorbs radioactive iodine, leading to the death of parotid gland and parotid duct endothelial cells, deformation of parotid duct structure, blockage of saliva excretion, and formation of radioactive parotitis. It can be divided into acute and chronic types. The acute type usually occurs within 48 hours, manifesting as transient swelling and tenderness in the parotid region. At this time, patients are advised to chew and take acidic foods to promote saliva secretion. The chronic type is more common in patients who have received multiple large doses of Iodine-131 treatment, manifesting as dry mouth, pain in the parotid region, and abnormal taste.

4. Other severe toxic and adverse reactions such as hair loss, bone marrow suppression, and gonadal suppression usually do not occur. However, if there are related symptoms before treatment, they may be induced after taking the medicine.

5. Additionally, patients may experience some psychological changes shortly after Iodine-131 treatment, such as boredom, anxiety, insomnia, and fear. These are not direct injuries caused by Iodine-131 but result from factors such as radiation protection isolation, gradual worsening of hypothyroidism, and other disease influences during the treatment process. Appropriate psychological counseling can help improve these symptoms.