Professor Naftali SternEndocrinologist
The dynamically growing statistics of people suffering from thyroid cancer have led to the use of radioactive iodine alongside surgical treatment and chemotherapy.
At Top Ihilov, surgical interventions are performed, involving complete or partial removal of thyroid tissue, after which patients undergo a subsequent course of administration of specific iodine preparations to suppress the growth of cancer cells. The medical center's own research laboratory is engaged in developing treatment regimens with iodine-containing medications and pharmacological support to alleviate side effects from ongoing chemotherapy.
Why do patients prefer treatment of thyroid cancer with radioactive iodine?
Treatment at Top Ihilov with radioactive iodine follows an individual plan developed based on the patient's diagnosis and test results:
At Top Ihilov, several specialists work with patients simultaneously: oncologist, endocrinologist, immunologist, physiotherapist, psychologist. The popularity of this treatment is characterized by high results from the use of radioactive iodine in cancer treatment and a low recurrence rate after treatment at Top Ihilov due to the effective comprehensive therapy course.
First, the patient undergoes a comprehensive special diagnostic course to determine the exact dose of iodine to be administered. If the patient is taking other medications, their intake is stopped a week before the examination.
It takes 7-10 days to manufacture a capsule with the calculated dose of radioactive iodine. After administration, iodine quickly enters the bloodstream and then the thyroid gland and the tumour, with part of the preparation being absorbed and part excreted from the body through urine within 24-48 hours. The iodine absorbed by the thyroid tissue emits beta particles that destroy cancer cells. To achieve the full effect of iodine therapy, several months are necessary.
For 5 days after taking the capsule, the patient remains in the hospital to prevent radiation exposure to others, after which a follow-up diagnosis for cancer cells is conducted. If the result is positive, the course is repeated. Since iodine therapy is safe for health, it can be repeated.
Despite the overall safety of using radioactive iodine, there are several exceptions, namely:
- Contraindications for surgery (presence of chronic diseases or serious heart conditions);
- Low effectiveness of prolonged medication therapy or inability to conduct a full course;
- Patient age over 60 years;
- Recurrence after tumour removal.
Doctors and consultants at Top Ihilov clinic – a unique team of specialists
Consultations and complex surgical operations in the otolaryngology department of Top Ihilov are performed by renowned ENT surgeons such as Professor Dan Fliss, Professor Thomas Spitzer, and other internationally recognized specialists.
The team of doctors at Top Ihilov continuously develops and successfully practices new diagnostic and treatment methods for effective and accurate localization of pathological inflammation, aiming to preserve healthy thyroid tissue in the patient.
Accurate diagnosis of thyroid cancer at Top Ihilov
The cost of a complete package of diagnostic procedures for suspected thyroid cancer is from $5,000 to $7,000. The final price depends on the availability of preliminary test results, stage, and many other factors.
In the oncology department of Top Ihilov clinic, thyroid cancer diagnostics are conducted using both classical methods and advanced modern equipment. High-precision diagnostics are extremely important, as in medical institutions in the former CIS countries, thyroid cancer is either misdiagnosed or cannot be accurately diagnosed due to mixed symptoms.
To confirm the diagnosis of thyroid cancer, the following diagnostic procedures are performed:
- PET-CT (positron emission tomography) or isotopic scanning with radioactive iodine.
- Consultation with an oncologist, otolaryngologist, physical examination of the patient, and medical history collection;
- Comprehensive clinical and biochemical blood tests (CBC), as well as tests for tumor markers;
- Urine analysis;
- Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland;
It should be noted that the use of ultra-modern PET CT devices employed in major Israeli clinics allows specialists at Top Ihilov to make an adequate diagnosis, accurately determining the type, size, location, and stage of tumor development.
Advantages of treatment at Top Ihilov
All medical staff and leading surgeons at Top Ihilov understand that the fight against thyroid cancer is a hard task and requires tremendous effort from both the patient and the clinic. The motto of Top Ihilov is to create the most comfortable and convenient conditions for treatment and rehabilitation. Top Ihilov is one of the largest multidisciplinary clinics in Israel, specializing in both outpatient and inpatient care for patients.
Do not miss the opportunity to receive treatment from specialistswith immense experience in treating thyroid cancer!
- Graves' disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Invasive papillary cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Thyrotoxic goiter
- Follicular adenoma of the thyroid gland
In what cases is radioactive iodine used?
In fact, the list of cases for using radioactive iodine in the treatment of thyroid cancer is quite extensive. It includes:
- Contraindications that make surgery impossible (for example, if the patient suffers from a chronic illness, such as a serious heart condition).
- Ineffectiveness of medication therapy over a sufficiently long period or inability to conduct a full course.
- Treatment of thyroid cancer in patients over 60 years old.
- Recurrence after tumour removal.
And some other reasons.
Treatment of cancer at Top Ihilov
The management and staff of Top Ihilov are well aware of how much effort a patient expends in the fight against such a serious illness as thyroid cancer. Therefore, all personnel at the medical institution make tremendous efforts to ensure that cancer patients are as comfortable as possible during treatment. The rooms in all departments of the center are designed so that patients do not feel the oppressive formal atmosphere typical of hospitals.
Top Ihilov is one of the largest multidisciplinary clinics in Israel. The medical center specializes in both outpatient and inpatient care for patients. This medical institution practices a comprehensive approach to patient management, involving doctors from various specialties who use the latest diagnostic methods, laser and endoscopic surgery, as well as the latest advancements in the pharmaceutical market. The clinic's staff adheres to modern international standards, a unified system of quality control of medical services provided, and a strict certification program for the methods used for treatment in all specialized departments.
Oncology in Israel
At this stage, Israeli medicine occupies one of the leading positions in the world ranking of countries, both in the quality of medical services provided and in the cost of diagnostics and treatment. This is especially true for oncological diseases of the blood, endocrine system, and gastrointestinal tract. This situation has arisen due to the close interconnection of theoretical and practical medicine in the country. Medical universities in Israel closely collaborate with private clinics, which implement the latest laboratory developments in molecular and cellular medicine. Practicing specialists are required to participate in international experience exchange programs and are regular participants in pharmacological conferences and scientific-practical congresses. Under these conditions, the highest quality medical care at an affordable price can be obtained by both Israeli citizens and foreigners wishing to undergo examination and treatment in this country.