What does "Radioactive I-131" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.
Radioactive I-131 is a type of medicine often used in the treatment of thyroid diseases. It's a form of iodine, a substance your thyroid naturally uses to make thyroid hormones. However, this particular type of iodine is radioactive, meaning it gives off energy that can kill or damage cells. In medicine, it's used to target and treat unhealthy thyroid cells while leaving other cells unharmed.
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