Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI)

A Proven, Targeted Treatment for Overactive Thyroid and Thyroid Cancer

At Thyroid Medical Institute, we offer Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI) as a safe, effective option for treating certain thyroid conditions. This targeted approach uses a small, controlled dose of radioactive iodine to shrink or eliminate overactive thyroid tissue or residual thyroid cancer cells—without surgery.

Under the expert guidance of Dr. Rodolfo A. Perez, a board-certified endocrinologist with over 30 years of clinical experience, we ensure your treatment is precise, comfortable, and closely monitored from start to finish.

What Is Radioactive Iodine Therapy?

RAI therapy uses Iodine-131 (I-131), a radioactive form of iodine, to treat thyroid conditions. Since your thyroid naturally absorbs iodine, this treatment allows radioactive iodine to enter thyroid cells directly—destroying overactive or abnormal tissue without harming the rest of your body.

The treatment is typically given in capsule or liquid form, and it’s non-invasive, outpatient-based, and generally well tolerated.

Conditions Treated with RAI

RAI therapy may be recommended for patients with:

  • Hyperthyroidism or Graves’ Disease

  • Toxic multinodular goiter or toxic adenoma

  • Thyroid cancer (as post-surgical ablation of remaining tissue or metastatic cells)

RAI is especially effective when medication or other therapies haven’t achieved the desired control—or when definitive treatment is preferred.

Benefits of RAI Therapy

  • Targeted action on thyroid tissue, sparing the rest of the body
  • Minimally invasive – no surgery required
  • Highly effective, often resolving hyperthyroidism permanently
  • Can reduce recurrence in thyroid cancer patients
  • Outpatient procedure with minimal recovery time

What to Expect: Step-by-Step

  1. Pre-Treatment Evaluation
     Dr. Perez will conduct a full assessment including:
  • Blood tests (TSH, T3, T4)

  • Thyroid uptake scan to determine how much iodine your thyroid absorbs

  • Review of your medications (some may need to be paused before treatment)

  • Pregnancy test for women of reproductive age

  1. The Treatment Day
  • You will take a small capsule or drink a liquid containing Iodine-131

  • The dose is calculated based on your condition, thyroid size, and uptake results

  • Most patients return home the same day, with specific radiation safety instructions

  1. Aftercare and Isolation Precautions
     You may need to:
  • Stay at a distance from others (especially children and pregnant women) for 3–7 days

  • Avoid sharing personal items (toothbrush, towels, utensils)

  • Flush the toilet twice and wash hands frequently

  • Sleep alone for a few nights and take time off work or school

Dr. Perez will provide detailed instructions tailored to your dose and home situation.

Side Effects and Safety

RAI therapy is considered very safe, but some temporary side effects may occur:

  • Neck tenderness or swelling

  • Dry mouth or changes in taste

  • Mild fatigue

  • Temporary increase in symptoms (e.g., heart rate, anxiety) as thyroid tissue breaks down

For thyroid cancer patients, RAI may occasionally affect salivary glands or cause mild nausea.

We monitor your progress closely to ensure side effects are minimal and manageable.

Post-Treatment Follow-Up

After RAI therapy, you’ll have follow-up visits to:

  • Check thyroid hormone levels

  • Monitor for hypothyroidism, which often occurs after treatment and can be easily managed with levothyroxine

  • Repeat ultrasound or lab tests if used for cancer ablation

A personalized treatment and long-term management plan will be created to support your health moving forward.

Why Choose Thyroid Medical Institute for RAI?

  • Expertise in both hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer care

  • Comprehensive pre- and post-RAI evaluation

  • In-house testing and imaging for convenience

  • Personalized care and ongoing monitoring

  • Clear, compassionate guidance every step of the way

We are committed to making your RAI experience safe, efficient, and successful—giving you long-term control over your thyroid condition.

Schedule Your RAI Consultation

Wondering if RAI is right for you? Let us help you explore your options with clarity and confidence.

📞 Call (305) 512-4411 or book your consultation online today to schedule your Radioactive Iodine Therapy with Thyroid Medical Institute.

Precise, effective treatment—so you can get back to feeling like yourself again.