Exposing the thyroid to radiation a review of its current extent, risks, and implications

1. Exposing the Thyroid to Radiation: A Review of Its Current Extent, Risks,
and Implications
Author: Sinnott, B., Ron, E., Schneider, A. B.
Publication: Endocrine Reviews
Volume: 31, Issue: 5, Pages: 756 to 773 Date: Friday, October 08, 2010
http://www.medconnect.in/tabid/115/s2/Endocrinology/ct9/c54189/Exposing-the-
Thyroid-to-Radiation-A-Review-of-Its/Default.aspx
Radiation exposure of the thyroid at a young age is a recognized risk factor for the
development of differentiated thyroid cancer lasting for four decades and probably
for a lifetime after exposure. Medical radiation exposure, however, occurs
frequently, including among the pediatric population, which is especially sensitive to
the effects of radiation. In the past, the treatment of benign medical conditions with
external radiation represented the most significant thyroid radiation exposures.
Today, diagnostic medical radiation represents the largest source of man-made
radiation exposure. Radiation exposure related to the use of computerized
tomography is rising exponentially, particularly in the pediatric population. There is
direct epidemiological evidence of a small but significant increased risk of cancer at
radiation doses equivalent to computerized tomography doses used today.
Paralleling the increasing use of medical radiation is an increase in the incidence of
papillary thyroid cancer. At present, it is unclear how much of this increase is
related to increased detection of subclinical disease from the increased utilization of
ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration, how much is due to a true increase in
thyroid cancer, and how much, if any, can be ascribed to medical radiation
exposure. Fortunately, the amount of radiation exposure from medical sources can
be reduced. In this article we review the sources of thyroid radiation exposure,
radiation risks to the thyroid gland, strategies for reducing radiation exposure to
the thyroid, and ways that endocrinologists can participate in this effort. Finally, we
provide some suggestions for future research directions.