A thyroid collar or thyroid shield is an indispensable component of radiation protection gear. As the thyroid gland present in our neck front is one of the most radiation-sensitive parts of the body, it is at increased risk of damage, as serious as papillary thyroid cancer. Thankfully, a thyroid collar can help block both the primary and scattered X-ray radiations and minimize the risks associated with radiation exposure.
A thyroid collar or shield is mostly known to healthcare workers, radiologists, or surgeons who daily work close to radiation sources, as a necessary radiation protection equipment. However, this is not only meant to be worn by medical personnel. In some cases, patients too need to wear thyroid collars. Wondering when and why? Continue reading to get things clearer.
Generally, patients are asked to wear a thyroid collar if their neck is positioned in a direct path or nearby of the primary X-ray beam at the time of any radiological procedure. That’s usually when the patient is undergoing medical imaging like dental X-rays, CT scans, or neck/head radiographs. Hence, dental patients, particularly pediatric patients and young adults, who are going for dental X-rays like panoramic X-rays that could directly hit their neck must wear thyroid collars.
By wearing a comfortable thyroid collar, dental patients can potentially be at low risk of thyroid cancer. That’s possible because the thyroid collar contains lead or lead equivalent material. Lead is a dense metal with a high atomic number. It can effectively absorb the X-ray radiation and deflect it, thus shielding the thyroid gland of the wearer.
Previously, most dental patients were recommended to wear thyroid collars during the procedure. However, now with advanced dental imaging techniques, every dental patient may not be asked to cover their thyroid gland with a thyroid collar. That’s because modern-day techniques are associated with low radiation levels. Harm is only caused to the thyroid gland when the radiation dose is very high or the gland is exposed to the radiation for a prolonged period or frequently. Lastly, the wearer must ensure that the thyroid collar is not damaged in any way and is worn in the right style for effective radiation protection.