Thyroid Cancer following Scalp Irradiation

Abstract
A 6-fold increase in the risk of thyroid cancer was observed among 10,902 persons irradiated for scalp tinea in childhood as compared to 2 matched control groups. The dosimetry studies demonstrated that the original mean dose given to the thyroid was < 9 rads, yielding a risk of 6.3/106/yr. This carcinogenic effect of low level radiation must be considered in the planning of safety measures against potential public health hazards.