CARCINOMA OF THE THYROID FOLLOWING X-RAY THERAPY IN INFANCY
Three new cases of thyroid cancer in children following irradiation are described in detail. Whether the thymus gland plays any role in the production of thyroid neoplasms is unknown, and many cases have been reported in which there was no evidence of thymic enlargement. Most theories center around the relation between the pituitary and thyroid glands. During adolescence there is an increased demand for thyroid hormone and thus an increased amount of thyroid- stimulating hormone, which may be a factor, since the thyroid gland of children seems more susceptible to the carcinogenic effect of x ray. In the 3 new cases of thyroid cancer reported, occurring in 2 19-yr-old girls and a 17-yr-old boy, only the latter had a positive history of previous x ray therapy. He had received 5 x-ray treatments shortly after birth for an enlarged thymus, as did 2 of his now healthy siblings. In 2 cases there were no data available as to whether or not they had received x-ray therapy. It is suggested that indiscriminate use of x-ray therapy for the treatment of benign lesions of the head and neck should be avoided. (TCO)
- Research Organization:
- St. Francis Hospital, Wichita, Kansas
- NSA Number:
- NSA-17-021521
- OSTI ID:
- 4727991
- Journal Information:
- J. Kansas Med. Soc., Vol. Vol: 63; Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-63
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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