Question

Why can radioactive iodine be used to treat hyperthyroid condition?

Answer 1

Because it only affects thyroid gland.

Explanation:

`"Iodine-131"` also known as radioactive iodine is used to treat over-active thyroid gland(hyperthyroidism) and thyroid cancer. The reason for this is that cells in thyroid gland are best in absorbing iodine. Thus, when a dose of radioactive iodine is taken(as prescribed by doctor) it damages the tissues of thyroid gland to an apt extent causing it to reduce in its size. Hence the secretion of thyroid gland also gets reduced & the gland no more remains over-active.

Note:
The dose of iodine-131 determines how much portion of thyroid gland is it going to destroy or damage. Sometimes, the whole gland has to be removed; mostly in case of thyroid cancer. The dose must be prescribed by your doctor. So that it will demolish the tissues of thyroid gland to an acceptable limit.

Hope it helps!