There is clear evidence that pediatric patients exposed to low dose radiation of the thyroid are at increased risk for developing thyroid carcinoma, as well as benign thyroid nodules. Within the intermediate exposure range of 100 to 200 rads, the rate of radiation induced thyroid carcinoma increases in a linear manner up to a dose of about 1500 rads. The peak risk is seen 5-30 years post radiation. XRT is primarily associated with an increased risk for papillary carcinoma , and to a lesser degree follicular carcinoma. Thyroid Cancer and Pregnancy Iodine thyroid scans and therapy are contraindicated during pregnancy.
Pregnancy has no effect on the natural course of thyroid cancer.
Nonetheless, these findings do not appear to be a factor in predicting a poor outcome. Decreased fertility may be seen in females that are long-term survivors of childhood thyroid cancer. Females are affected more commonly than males. The mean age for patients to present is about 45. Local Recurrence Local recurrence is associated with an increase in mortality.