Experts at UC San Diego Health Systems agree with the position stated by the American College of Radiology that there is no risk to the thyroid during a mammogram. Recent media reports have erroneously stated that mammograms may increase a woman's risk for thyroid cancer, and recommend using a thyroid guard/shield.
Using a thyroid guard can compromise the image, leading to repeat mammograms and repeat exposure.
UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center imaging specialists set the record straight in this video. Dr. Haydee Ojeda-Fournier explains what every woman needs to know; Karen Chiappetta demonstrates.
I just had my mammogram. I requested the thyroid guard which is smaller (the leaf part) than the one shown in the film. The technician had no problem performing her procedures. I would still request thyroid guard since I have big nodules in my thyroid. There is nothing wrong to be cautious. Of course, the thyroid should not big enough to interfere the test.
cmwan3000 4 days ago
Thank you so much for this upload! Iam a Mammography Technologist and patients need to know this. Unfortunately so many are misimformed especially about the thyroid sheild.
MsCaketester 3 months ago