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Thyroid Ablation

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 3, 2024.

What is thyroid ablation?

Thyroid ablation is a procedure to decrease the function of some or all of your thyroid gland. Your thyroid makes hormones that help control your body temperature, heart rate, and growth. The hormones also control how fast your body uses food for energy.

Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands

How do I prepare for thyroid ablation?

How is thyroid ablation done?

You will be given radioactive iodine to drink or as a pill to swallow. This medicine damages cells in your thyroid gland and decreases the amount of thyroid hormone in your blood. If you cannot swallow the medicine, it will be put through an IV tube into a vein in your arm.

What should I expect thyroid ablation?

What are the risks of thyroid ablation?

Your thyroid may no longer work, and you may need thyroid medicine for the rest of your life. You may have swelling in your face and neck. You may have eye dryness, headache, nausea and vomiting, trouble swallowing, taste changes, and dental cavities. A condition called thyroid storm may occur if too much thyroid hormone is released into your body. A thyroid storm may cause high fever, fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, and may be life-threatening.

Care Agreement

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Further information

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