Answer: iodine - 131 is used to treat hyperthyroidism.
Explanation:
Iodine - 131, a radioactive iodine salt, is an important diagnostic tool and medical therapeutic tool used to treat hyperthyroidism due to nodules in thyroid gland or graves' diseases.
Iodine-131 is usually administered orally as a single dose. Once taken, it emits both beta and gamma radiation. The beta radiations (the active agent) kills the overactive thyroid cells. The Beta rays travel small distances, but not usually exiting from the body of such patient. While, the gamma radiation can travel long distances, existing from the patient's body which can affect people in such surroundings.
Iodine-131 alters iodine absorption mechanism in the thyroid glands.
It can also be used in diagnostic imaging techniques for neuroblastoma.
