BRIGHTON, England, June 4 (UPI) -- A study of 313 cancer patients found the chances of developing thyroid cancer rose with repeated exposure to dental X-rays, British scientists said.

The results suggest dental X-rays should only be prescribed for a specific clinical need, rather than as part of a routine checkup, said the study's lead author, Dr. Anjum Memon of the Brighton and Sussex Medical School.


The thyroid gland, located in the neck, is sensitive to ionizing radiation, especially in children, Memon and his team said.

The findings of the study were consistent with previous reports of increased risk of thyroid cancer in dentists, dental assistants and X-ray workers, The Daily Telegraph reported Friday. Dental X-rays also have been linked with an increased risk of brain and salivary gland tumors.

"The public health and clinical implications of these findings are particularly relevant in the light of increases in the incidence of thyroid cancer in many countries over the past 30 years," Memon said.