Thyroid disease in children: A survey of subjects potentially exposed to fallout radiation

Abstract

We found no significant difference in any type of thyroid disease between children in Utah and Nevada exposed to fallout radiation in the 1950's and control groups living in Utah and Arizona at present. Of the 5,179 children surveyed, thyroid abnormalities were found in 201. Adolescent goiter was the most common disorder with a prevalence of 15 per 1,000 for boys and 20 per 1,000 for girls. There were seven cases of hyperthyroidism, and the rates for lymphocytic thyroiditis were 8 and 16 per 1,000 for boys and girls, respectively. Twenty benign neoplasms and two carcinomas of the thyroid were found. Only 6 of the 201 children with thyroid disease knew of their disease prior to our examination. The inapparent thyroid disease discovered in this group of children through meticulous examination may have its counterpart in other populations as well. This study demonstrates the need, therefore, for careful examination of thyroids even in apparently healthy children.