Thyroid Collars: Can They Really Protect Against Cancer?

BANGOR, Pa. - Jan. 19, 2016 - PRLog -- Those small doses can add up over time. But for most patients, the small dose from an occasional X-ray should be fine -- or is it?

While the risk of developing thyroid cancer or other types of cancer from the radiation in X-rays is small, there are some signs that even occasional radiation can cause cell mutations that turn cancerous. And even though thyroid cancer is slow growing and mostly treatable, almost 2,000 people in the U.S. died from it in 2015. Therefore, anything that can be done to minimize the risk, including the strict use of thyroid collars, is important.

Why Is the Thyroid So Susceptible?

The thyroid is a small gland located at the base of the throat. Through making and releasing hormones, it controls important body functions, including temperature, heart rate, blood pressure and metabolism.

The thyroid uses iodine, which is found in foods like dairy products, beans, cranberries and seaweed, to make these necessary hormones. However, the gland is quick to take in radioactive elements that mimic iodine, and thus may be more susceptible to cancer-causing radiation. Children are especially at risk because their thyroid glands are developing.

What Risk Do X-Rays Carry?

A study done in Kuwait showed that people who received dental X-rays of any kind were 2.1 times more likely to develop thyroid cancer. This didn't depend on age or gender.

Based on this and other studies done in Sweden that show women with more than 10 dental X-rays in their lives are 3.5 times more likely to get thyroid cancer, the American Dental Association recommends careful shielding during any dental imaging procedure.

How Do Thyroid Collars Help?

A thyroid collar contains a lead barrier that blocks radiation. It wraps around the throat and protects the area with the thyroid gland from absorbing any X-rays.

The American Thyroid Association suggests that thyroid-protective collars are one important step to reducing the risk of radiation exposure that can lead to cancer.

Dental and medical offices should have thyroid collars available to fit both children and adults. Offices should also have multiple collars available per patient as wearing one on the front of the neck and one on the back may improve protection during certain types of panoramic X-rays.

Contact us (http://www.vseyewear.com) for more information about purchasing thyroid collars to protect your patients.