Question 1

ct scan benefit outweigh the risk? im 23 with 3 ct scans already. doctors concerned about chronic upper left abdomen pain radiating to back.

Accepted Answer

Depends: It depends on what your dr is concerned about. CT scans do provide significant radiation exposure. Some causes of left upper abdominal pain can e assessed by ultrasound or endoscopy, depending on your other symptoms and risks.  If however, your doctor can provide good reason why CT scan is necessary, then it is probably worth doing.  You can always seek a second opinion.

Question 2

i have severe nasal problems and my doctor wants to order a ct scan. problem is 2 yrs ago, i had 3 ct scans. insurance won't cover an mri. what to do?

Accepted Answer

CT : At this point go see a specialist in ENT if you have not done so already. That might be the path of less resistance.

Question 3

3 ct scans, 2 show 2 bilobed liver cysts on rit side, 3rd ct scan shows one on rt,one on the left? was told no change,  odd? or error
md won't call

Accepted Answer

Liver cysts: It sounds like you have 2 and remaining the same size. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your results and further plans. Often better communication for you in person rather than phone call. All the best.

Question 4

nov. 3: ct-scan showed 1.0 cm left adrenal nodule & a subcentimeter hypodense lesion in the right kidney. dec. 29th: just finding out looking up records. er dr and pcp didnt tell me. should i be concerned? could both spread or get bigger?

Accepted Answer

Lesions: I believe that both of these small lesions are benign, but I think your physician should sit down with the radiologist who interpreted the scan and get his/her opinion about them and whether any other studies or follow-up examinations would be advisable. I would prefer to see such information on the final report rather than leaving you up in the air, concerned and confused.

Question 5

42 y/o male non smoker non drinker. ct scan showed mild atrophy of pancreas. bloodwork normal- dr didnt say anything. had 3 ct scans since for kidney stone issues and no mention was made of pancreas atrophy. anything to worry about?

Accepted Answer

: If it is labeled as mild is probably not much to worry about, but every CAT scan needs to be interpreted with knowledge of the clinical symptoms. You should return to the Doctor Who ordered your tests or your primary care doctor for further discussion. Good luck.

Question 6

in past 3years i have had 3 ct scans and 1 pet/ct scan all negative. do i need more scans to rule out lung cancer? still have fatigue and muscle loss

Accepted Answer

You don't have it: Whether scans cut a risk of one's actually dying of lung cancer is a question I will leave to policy-makers. But your fatigue and muscle loss are not due to lung cancer. I'm glad you're health conscious; I assume you've stopped smoking; and my hope for you is that you'll search for some other explanation AND continue an athletic, fitness-focused lifestyle to richly enjoy these years of your life.

Question 7

i've 3 ct scan & 15 x-ray of pelvis in 2 yrs for study of fracture of left acetabulum. is so many x-rays & ct harmful? specially for male genital?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The numbers vary but the more radiation you get the higher your risks are of developing cancer.

Question 8

could three ct scans over one year all really miss symptomatic colon cancer ( narrow stools, blood). problems for past 2 years, doc says no way it wou?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Colonoscopy is not the ideal way to evaluate for colon cancer.  The most accurate test is a colonoscopy.  Contact a gastroenterologist to set this up.

Question 9

are there health risks from having 3 ct scans before the age of 16?

Accepted Answer

Minimal: You didn't say if you are female or male or what part if your body was scanned. Radiation to the thyroid area, breasts, eyes, or ovaries if repeated multiple times over many years carry a small but statiscally increased risk of radiation induced tissue damage. 3 scans by themselves should not cause you to worry, but be aware that you want to limit your exposure to radiation.

Question 10

is having 3 ct scans and 2 x ray in the same year dangerous for different conditions? is it too much ?

Accepted Answer

No risk, no worry: You'd have to undergo 100 or more CTs to be at any danger from radiation -- even then would be minimal risk. No worries.

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Doctor answers about:

3 ct scan

A member asked:

Ct scan benefit outweigh the risk? im 23 with 3 ct scans already. doctors concerned about chronic upper left abdomen pain radiating to back.

A member asked:

I have severe nasal problems and my doctor wants to order a ct scan. problem is 2 yrs ago, i had 3 ct scans. insurance won't cover an mri. what to do?

A member asked:

3 ct scans, 2 show 2 bilobed liver cysts on rit side, 3rd ct scan shows one on rt,one on the left? was told no change, odd? or error md won't call

A member asked:

Nov. 3: ct-scan showed 1.0 cm left adrenal nodule & a subcentimeter hypodense lesion in the right kidney. dec. 29th: just finding out looking up records. er dr and pcp didnt tell me. should i be concerned? could both spread or get bigger?

A member asked:

42 y/o male non smoker non drinker. ct scan showed mild atrophy of pancreas. bloodwork normal- dr didnt say anything. had 3 ct scans since for kidney stone issues and no mention was made of pancreas atrophy. anything to worry about?

A member asked:

In past 3years i have had 3 ct scans and 1 pet/ct scan all negative. do i need more scans to rule out lung cancer? still have fatigue and muscle loss

A member asked:

I've 3 ct scan & 15 x-ray of pelvis in 2 yrs for study of fracture of left acetabulum. is so many x-rays & ct harmful? specially for male genital?

A member asked:

Could three ct scans over one year all really miss symptomatic colon cancer ( narrow stools, blood). problems for past 2 years, doc says no way it wou?

A member asked:

Are there health risks from having 3 ct scans before the age of 16?

A member asked:

Is having 3 ct scans and 2 x ray in the same year dangerous for different conditions? is it too much ?

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