UNITED STATES
ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.c. 20545
' Cotlection
Box 67
WA TcIDENCE oF TMyRIOD
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January 6, 1965
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ORANDUM FOR GHAIRMAN SEABORG
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SIONER BUNTING
COMMISSIONER PALFREY
COMMISSIONER RAMEY
COMMISSIONER TAPE
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fr THROUGH GENERAL MANAGER Peer Leapcare JAN 7
SUBJECT:
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1965
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THREE MARSHALLESE GIRLS OPERATED ON
FOR REMOVAL OF THYROID NODULES (SEE ATTACHED COPY OF PREVIOUS
MEMO, THIS SUBJECT).
Dr. Robert A, Conard, Medical Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory,
who has responsibility for conducting the clinical surveys, reports:
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“Sections of the nodules have been examined by a number of pathologists
including Drs. S, Warren, G. H. Klink, H. A. Johnson and S, Lindsay.
The
concensus is that the nodules are benign, though with certain bizarre areas,
and resemble iodine deficiencyadenomata,"*
Dr. Lindsay noted that the nodules in the Rongelap cases are similar to
ones he has seen in children following 1131 therapy. This Division has a
file of Dr, Lindsay's histological reports and a review paper by Lindsay
and Chaikoff, Cancer Research, 24:1099, 1964,
The radiation dosages which these children's thyroids may have received
are being re-evaluated by Dr. John Gofman's group, Lawrence Radiation
Laboratory.
It should be added that nodules in the thyroid glands of young people
frequently become malignant in the course of time, Therefore, while
these which were removed promptly after discovery were not malignant,
there is a chance that in time they might have assumed neoplastic
characteristics.
February 1965,
Dr. Conard's next clinical survey will take place in
Cc. L. Dunham, M.D.
Director
Division of Biology and Medicine
Attachment:
Copy of memo dated 10/2/64
from C, L. Dunham to Chairman Seaborg
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