Final answer:
After a total thyroidectomy, total body imaging with radioiodine would show tracer concentration in the thyroid bed, salivary glands, stomach, and bladder because these areas absorb and concentrate iodine.
Step-by-step explanation:
Following a total thyroidectomy, total body imaging with radioiodine should normally demonstrate tracer concentration in both the thyroid bed and other areas where iodine is typically metabolized, such as the 'salivary glands' and the 'stomach'. Radioiodine is absorbed into the bloodstream similar to non-radioactive iodine and is concentrated in areas where iodine is usually removed and concentrated, including 'salivary glands', 'stomach', and the 'bladder'.
The 'thyroid bed', the site where the thyroid gland was located prior to thyroidectomy, may also show radioiodine accumulation due to remaining thyroid cells or thyroid cancer cells that were not completely removed during surgery. This is because thyroid cells, including cancerous ones, tend to concentrate the most iodine and therefore, emit the most radiation. However, keep in mind that this is not the only factor that influences the distribution of radioiodine in the body as elements like gastric mucosa and salivary glands also absorb and concentrate iodine.
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