The full study will be released in October of this year. NCI is recommending that people in their 40s and 50s who suspect exposure to this radiation in their youth seek examination from their physicians. Because chiropractic physicians routinely perform thorough neck evaluation in both initial physicals and prior to adjustive procedures and because they frequently serve as family physicians, especially in rural areas, they are an important primary contact, perhaps the only contact, for screening patients who may be at risk. An invasive cancer may present as a fixed thyroid that does not rise during swallowing. Other possible symptoms may be hoarseness, dysphagia, stridor, neck pain or lyphadenopathy.
Blood tests are of little use.
Thyroid imaging or biopsy is needed for adequate diagnosis. Please be especially vigilant with high risk patients and refer anyone with suspicious findings for further evaluation.