Does x-ray exposure increase the risk of thyroid cancer?
It can. There is a link between x-ray exposure and thyroid cancer, especially if the exposure occurred as a child. Back in the 1940s and 1950s x-rays were used to treat everything from acne to inflamed tonsils, adenoids and lymph nodes. X-rays were even used to measure foot sizes in shoe stores (I know, crazy, right?).
Currently, x-ray exposure is limited to treatment of serious cancers such as Hodgkin’s disease. This treatment can increase your risk of thyroid cancer. But, obviously, the benefits outweigh the risks. Routine dental x-rays or x-rays to check for broken bones emit far less radiation and therefore don't pose a risk. So back to you question about x-ray exposure and thyroid cancer, if you're concerned think back on your past rather than fretting about the present.
