[Risk estimation for thyroid cancer induced by diagnostic radiation doses (authors transl)].

Cancer of the thyroid has been detected as a late consequence of irradiation mainly for benign diseases. A survey of data from several investigators shows a strong correlation between incidence and thyroid dose. The result of a risk estimation for irradiated children assuming a linear non-threshold dose response is 60 cancers per 10(6) per rem in 20 years following irradiation. There is no evidence that adults will be much less sensitive. Radiation risks for the thyroid should be considered in nuclear medicine, because the diagnostic use of radioiodine leads to organ doses which are comparably high.