Question
| A. |
Young patients |
| B. |
Pregnancy |
| C. |
Recent onset of toxic goiter |
| D. |
Post surgery for papillary thyroid cancer |
|
Correct Answer » D Explanation |
 |
Radioiodine (I-131) is used in both benign and malignant thyroid conditions. However, its preferred and standard indication is in differentiated thyroid cancers after surgery.
Explanation of the Correct Answer:
After thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma, radioiodine is used for:
- Ablation of residual thyroid tissue
- Treatment of microscopic residual disease
- Management of metastasis
- Facilitating follow-up using thyroglobulin levels
Thus, it is a standard adjuvant therapy in papillary thyroid cancer.
Explanation of Other Options:
A. Young patients
Radioiodine is relatively avoided due to long-term risks (e.g., secondary malignancy). Not preferred.
B. Pregnancy
Absolutely contraindicated as it crosses the placenta and destroys fetal thyroid.
C. Recent onset of toxic goiter
First-line treatment is antithyroid drugs (e.g., Methimazole). Radioiodine is used later, not preferred initially.