Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
What is a Thyroid Shield?
A thyroid shield, or collar, is a small piece of protective material that is sometimes worn around the neck to reduce the radiation dose to the thyroid. This is most commonly worn by members of staff working with X-rays and may also be worn by patients for some medical imaging scans.
Will my thyroid be exposed to radiation?
The only parts of your body exposed to the direct X-ray beam during mammography are your breasts. Some X-rays are scattered from the breast, which results in much smaller doses to other organs in the body, including the thyroid.
Why are thyroid shields not used during mammography?
These are not recommended for a number of reasons:
- The additional risk of thyroid cancer from having regular mammograms is insignificant.
- The thyroid shield can cause issues with positioning, resulting in images needing to be repeated and additional radiation dose.
- If the thyroid shield protrudes into the X-ray beam, this can result in the machine giving a higher radiation dose as it tries to penetrate through the shield.
- The thyroid shield can mask important clinical details, leading to images being repeated and additional radiation dose.
- Professional bodies agree that the use of a thyroid shield is not recommended.
If you have any other questions, please ask a member of staff.
Compiled in conjunction with the Regional Radiation Protection Service, Guildford,
Surrey.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Radiology service.
About this information
Service:
Radiology
Reference:
PILS-MAMM.20
Approval date:
28 November 2023
Review date:
28 November 2026
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.