What type of therapy involves the absorption of radioactive iodine into the thyroid gland to reduce hormone production?

Radioactive iodine therapy involves the administration of radioactive iodine (I-131), which is absorbed by the thyroid gland. This treatment exploits the fact that thyroid cells naturally take up iodine to produce thyroid hormones. By introducing a radioactive form of iodine, it effectively reduces the production of these hormones. This therapy is particularly effective in treating conditions such as hyperthyroidism and certain types of thyroid cancer.

The procedure works by damaging or destroying excess thyroid tissue, leading to a decreased hormone output, and it's a non-invasive alternative to surgical options for conditions resulting in excessive hormone production. The selective uptake of radioactive iodine by the thyroid cells minimizes exposure to surrounding tissues, which is a considerable advantage of this treatment modality.

In contrast, surgical intervention involves the physical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland, hormone replacement therapy involves administering hormones to replace what the body is missing (typically after surgical removal of the gland), and antithyroid medications work by inhibiting hormone production rather than destroying thyroid tissue directly. Hence, each of these alternatives serves different purposes and mechanisms, distinguishing them from the specific action of radioactive iodine therapy.