In plain language
This narrative review reports that, across heterogeneous studies, healthcare workers exposed to radiation, including interventional staff, show more thyroid nodules than unexposed people. It supports consistent thyroid collar use and periodic thyroid surveillance. Causation has not been established.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Narrative review
- Who was studied
- Interventional cardiologists, Interventional radiologists, Radiologic technologists, Other physicians, Mixed lab staff
- Where
- Italy
- Topics
- ThyroidCancer riskPersonal protective equipmentDosimetry and monitoringRegulation and policySafety culture and complianceTraining and educationDNA and cellular effects
- Summary based on
- the full text
What it found
The cited evidence suggests thyroid nodules are more prevalent in radiation-exposed healthcare workers than in the general population, although the data are heterogeneous.
A cited meta-analysis linked occupational radiation exposure with a higher risk of thyroid cancer.
Key figures: 67% increased risk; >3 million individuals
A cited cross-sectional study found thyroid nodules in nearly a quarter of radiology staff.
Key figures: 23.3%
The review states that properly fitted thyroid collars can substantially reduce thyroid dose.
Key figures: up to 90%
Cited studies report that many workers do not consistently use thyroid shields, because of discomfort, lack of availability or underestimation of risk.
Limits to keep in mind
This is a narrative review without a systematic search or quality appraisal, and the reference citations are missing from the provided text. The underlying studies vary in design and exposure assessment, and some cited evidence comes from nuclear workers and accident populations rather than healthcare workers.
Related research summaries
- Radiation exposure in interventional cardiology: a narrative review of health effects and novel approaches to ensure radiation safety (2025, Narrative review)
- Addressing the Occupational Risk of Radiation Exposure in the Evolving Field of Interventional Echocardiography (2024, Narrative review)
- Occupational Protection in Interventional Radiology. A Joint Guideline of the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe and the Society of Interventional Radiology (2026, Guideline or consensus statement)
- SCAI Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards (2020, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Radiation in the Orthopedic Operating Room: What We Know, What We Do, and What Needs Attention (2025, Narrative review)
How this summary was made
ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from the full text of the paper. A program then checked that the passage supporting each finding appears word for word in that source. A person has not yet reviewed each summary, so read the original before relying on a number. ORSIF summarizes research and does not endorse any product or company. Report a problem with this summary.
Prepared November 3, 2026.