radioiodine

[ rey-dee-oh-ahy-uh-dahyn, -din, -deen ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. any of nine radioisotopes of iodine, especially iodine 131 and iodine 125, used as radioactive tracers in research and clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Word History and Origins

Origin of radioiodine¹

First recorded in 1935–40; radio- + iodine

Example Sentences

The American Cancer Society says thyroid cancer can be detected early through a variety of medical exams, including annual physicals, medical history analyses, image and blood tests, ultrasound and radioiodine scans.

From Fox News

Radioiodine is a common treatment for thyroid conditions.

From BBC

No, it was the kind doctor who came bearing the radioiodine capsule in the glass tube.

From BBC

After treatment, 57 percent of the patients had at least one ultrasound, 24 percent had a radioiodine scan and 15 percent had a PET scan to monitor for signs of the return of their cancer.

From US News

Although the radioiodine kills the thyroid cancer cells, it increases the risk of a secondary cancer because it exposes the kidney, bladder and pelvic organs to radiation, Smallridge says.

From Washington Post