Occupational Radiation Exposure and Thyroid Nodules in Healthcare Workers: A Review

Abstract

Thyroid nodules are a common clinical finding, with their prevalence influenced by multiple environmental and occupational factors, including exposure to ionizing radiation. Healthcare workers, particularly those operating in radiology, nuclear medicine, interventional cardiology, and radiation oncology, are potentially at increased risk due to chronic low-dose radiation exposure. This review aims to evaluate the current evidence regarding the association between occupational radiation exposure and the development of thyroid nodules among healthcare professionals. The findings suggest a higher prevalence of thyroid nodules in radiation-exposed workers compared to the general population, although data heterogeneity and methodological limitations exist. Factors such as the duration of exposure, radiation protection practices, and frequency of monitoring play critical roles in modulating the individual risk. While some studies report no significant difference in malignancy rates, the increased detection of nodules underlines the need for regular thyroid surveillance in at-risk populations. Further longitudinal and multicentric studies are warranted to clarify the causality and guide preventive strategies. This review highlights the importance of occupational health protocols, including radiation shielding and periodic thyroid evaluation, in safeguarding the long-term endocrine health of healthcare workers.

Keywords: healthcare workers; prevalence and radiation safety; radiation exposure; thyroid nodules.

Figure 1

Anatomy and histology of the thyroid gland. The anatomical diagram shows the location of the thyroid gland, including the right and left lobes and the isthmus. The histological inset highlights thyroid follicles filled with colloid, surrounded by follicular cells, and includes parafollicular (C) cells and blood capillaries.

Figure 2

Penetration abilities of different types of radiation. Alpha, beta, gamma, X-rays, and neutron rays vary in their composition and ability to penetrate materials. Barriers such as paper, aluminum, lead, and concrete offer varying levels of protection depending on the type of radiation.