This week, Rep. Edward Markey of Massachusetts, released a report concerning the potential radiation risks that a radioactively treated thyroid cancer patient might pose to others. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission apparently deviated from the global standards governing hospitalization of patients who have received radioactive iodine in 1997. USA Today reported on March 18 that the NRC moved at that time to allow outpatient treatment of thyroid cancer patients. The concern surrounding this outpatient situation is that patients will sometimes choose to transition between hospital and home in a hotel where they could possibly put other guests at risk.
As always, I never pretend to be an expert about important topics such as this. A little bit of curiosity and research led me to the following interesting tidbits:
*Radioactive iodine is removed from the human body through bodily fluids: urine, sweat, saliva and stool.
*During the hospitalization period of the radioactive iodine treatment; any items contaminated with these fluids will be thrown away, all staff entering the isolation room will be monitored for their exposure and personal items will be prohibited.
*Special precautions will follow the patient from discharge such as keeping all linens, clothing, towels, and dining utensils separate during use and cleaning. Patients are advised to avoid close and intimate contact (which includes the car) with other household members, especially children and pregnant women. Other tips recommend separate sleeping arrangements, extra toilet flushing, attention to hand washing and cleaning of bathroom surfaces.
Please consult your medical team regarding any risks or precautions necessary concerning the risks of your radioactive therapy on your loved ones.
For more information, please see Rep. Edward Markey’s statement at http://markey.house.gov.
Excellent pages on radioactive iodine therapy preparation and post-treatment advice can be found on Columbia University’s New York Thyroid Center page; at www.endocrinologist.com and at the Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
