P-478 ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF LOW-DOSE IONIZING RADIATION EXPOSURE ON THYROID GLANDS, AMONG MEDICAL RADIATION WORKERS

Abstract Introduction While prior research evinces that acute IR exposure contributes to cancer growth, this research aims to assess the risk of thyroid cancer in thyroid nodules and parenchymal heterogeneity among medical radiation workers (MRW) due to low-dose chronic radiation exposure, primarily driven by the growing utilization of radiation in diagnostic medical procedures. Methods This study conducted by M.F.Baran and A.E.Atas, includes 148 MRW from Konya City Hospital, aged between 18 and 65 with no prevalence. They were divided into groups according to their sociodemographic and professional information. Their TSH levels, and thyroid ultrasonography (US) data were also collected. The detected thyroid nodules were classified based on the ACR TI-RADS method. Results The analysis revealed that the prevalence of thyroid nodules increases with age and years of employment, especially in workers over 33 (p=0.02) and participants with chronic diseases (p=0.003).The experiments demonstrate a significant correlation between thyroid parenchymal heterogeneity and increased TSH levels, implying that nodules tend to develop in the presence of hypothyroidism or thyroiditis. The differences in work department or gender didn’t impact these factors. The majority of nodules found were benign. Discussion This retrospective study attests that MRW are at higher risk of developing thyroid nodules than the overall population when facing a longer radiation exposure. However, it discards the idea of a higher risk of thyroid cancer. Further research is needed to explore alternative risk factors for thyroid cancer within this occupational group. Conclusion Regular screening and radiation protection measures are important to promote better health management.