Cuidados de enfermería en pacientes con cáncer tiroideo que reciben terapia con yodo radiactivo

Abstract

Introduction: Thyroid Cancer (TC) constitutes the most frequently diagnosed endocrine-type neoplasm, predominantly in women between 55 and 65 years of age. Total thyroidectomy (TT) favors the elimination of malignant cells; however, the need for postoperative therapy is due to remnants that could not be removed with surgery, thus, Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI) plays an essential role in the treatment of the disease, to reduce the risk of recurrence and mortality. Methodology: Through literature review, 50 articles were selected from scientific databases, such as Taylor & Francis, Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, SpringerLink, and ScienceDirect; also, a document of the Ecuadorian Society for the Fight Against Cancer (SOLCA, in Spanish), published between 2016 - 2021, was included to answer the research questions. Results: TC is more prevalent in women, the most frequent risk factors are family history, exposure to radiation, breast cancer, among others. RAI has the benefit of improving overall survival; there are short and long-term complications. Nursing care is described both in the hospital setting and at home. Regarding prevention, recommendations are suggested during and after RAI. Conclusions: This article provides necessary information regarding TC and RAI, as well as nursing care and recommendations that should be taken into account in the management of this therapy, which will serve as a reference for future research. Keywords: Thyroid cancer, iodine isotopes, complications, nursing care.