The incidence of thyroid cancer is growing, partly because more lumps are being discovered when they are tiny. Someone may have a computerized tomography scan of his or lungs or a carotid ultrasound, and the radiologist incidentally discovers a thyroid nodule.

The majority of nodules are benign and are monitored to make sure their growth does not interfere with surrounding tissues. Ultrasound exams and biopsies show that about 5 percent of nodules are cancerous. Most thyroid cancers are easily treated by surgery to remove the thyroid.

“There is some epidemiological evidence that there is an increased risk of thyroid cancer in patients exposed to many dental x-rays,” says Roberto Izquierdo MD, medical director of Upstate‘s Thyroid Cancer Center.

He recommends wearing a thyroid shield during dental x-rays for protection.

He also recommends checking your own thyroid.

You need a mirror and a glass of water. Locate the area of your thyroid, below the Adam‘s apple and above the collarbone, and keep this in view as you lean your neck back. Swallow the water, and watch carefully for any bulges or enlargements around your thyroid.

If you see anything unusual, Izquierdo says to consult your doctor for an evaluation.

 Listen to an interview with Izquierdo for Health Link on Air radio.