Risk of thyroid nodules in subjects occupationally exposed to radiation: a cross sectional study. Issue 8 (August 1995)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Antonelli, A; Silvano, G; Bianchi, F; Gambuzza, C; Tana, L; Salvioni, G; Baldi, V; Gasperini, L; Baschieri, L
• Is Part Of: Occupational and environmental medicine. Volume 52:Issue 8(1995)
• Page Start: 500
• Page End: 504
• Publication Date: 1995-08
• Subjects: Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; 616.980305
• DOI: 10.1136/oem.52.8.500
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1351-0711

Abstract

Abstract : OBJECTIVES--To examine, by ultrasonography the prevalence of thyroid nodules in a cross sectional study of male medical workers occupationally exposed to chi radiation at the Pisa hospital, in comparison with controls matched for age and sex. METHODS--50 male medical workers exposed to radiation were randomly matched for age (+/- 2 years) with 100 male workers not occupationally exposed to ionising radiation who lived in a slightly iodine deficient area of Tuscany (Lunigiana) (control group 1), and with 100 male workers not exposed to radiation who lived in the same area (Pisa) (control group 2). RESULTS--Of the occupationally exposed subjects, thyroid nodules were detected in 19/50 (38.0%). Among controls, thyroid nodules were detected in 19/100 subjects of control group 1 and in 13/100 of control group 2. Comparison of exposed and control groups, stratified into 30-39, 40-49, and 50-59 year old age subgroups, showed a higher significant relative risk for thyroid nodules in the exposed subjects. CONCLUSION--The results suggest that occupational exposure to radiation may be a risk factor for thyroid nodules.