And the group said the small risk does not warrant using a thyroid shield, as it could defeat the purpose of the exam by interfering with optimal positioning and creating shadow artifacts on the image. "The problem with it is that it distorts the images," Curry said.

ACR's statement was made jointly with the Society of Breast Imaging, which has also received "quite a few calls" about the issue, according to a statement on the group's website.

But radiologists might have a chance to answer back. Curry said two ACR representatives were headed to New York Tuesday for a taping of "Dr. Oz" to respond to the issue.

"We want to clear the air," Curry said.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 44,000 thyroid cancer cases were likely diagnosed in the United States last year. The chance of getting diagnosed has doubled since 1990, the society said, though it's unclear if this is caused by a greater risk for the disease or simply increased use of ultrasound, which can spot small nodules that might otherwise have been missed.

It's considered one of the least deadly cancers, the society said, with a five-year survival rate of 97 percent.

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