ACA
THE CURRENT STATUS OF THYROID DISEASE AMONG
THE MARSHALLESE EXPOSED TO FALLOLT FROM
THE BRAVO TEST, MARCH 1, 1954
(The following data are taken from an informal report by Dr. Conard dated 4/20/71)
The current status may be updated as follows:
I.
Young Rongelapese exposed to fallout March 1, 1954, when they were
1 to 8 years of age,
(Estimated dose:
175 rads external gamma
plus 600 to 1400 rem internal irradiation.)
Total -
1,
19
Currently normal by clinical and bicci.emical tests.
(There may be a slight unevenness of the gland in
one patient.)
2.
Currently hypothyroid with minimal nodularity.
Responding satisfactorily to oral thyroid hormone
therapy.
3,
2
(11%)
3
(16%)
ll
(58%)
3
(16%)
Have undergone surgery in the U., S. prior to 1969
because of nodular
thyroid disease; histologic
diagnosis of adenomatous goiter and Huerthle cell
tumor.
Responding satisfactorily to oral thyroid
hormone therapy with one exception:
This patient
shows some enlargement of the remnant of thyroid
left from e« partial
thyroidectomy in 1964: as she
has not followed her post-operative thyroid hormone
regimen, there is question as to whether she should
have further surgery.
-4&,
Young people operated on for thyroid disease during
August 1969 and recovered, Diagnoses: Primary
benign adenomatous goiter in two and papillary
adenoma of serious grade malignancy in one.
(None of six Ailinginae children exposed to an estimated external
dose of 69 rads have shown thyroid dysfunction.)
II.
Surviving adult Rongelapese exposed to fallout.
(Estimated dose:
175 rads external plus 160 rem internal irradiation.)
Total - 34 DOE ARCHIVES
1.
Papillary carcinoma removed surgically at age 41.
No recurrence,
Taking oral thyroid hormone therapy.
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