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A member asked:
Ct scans produce high amounts of radiation. wouldn't that cause cancer? some articles online say ct scans have been linked to cancer.
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Possibly: All forms of radiation can induce malignant transformation. It depends on the unit employed, the age of the patient and the frequency of performing the CT scan. If one is following a malignancy in someone over 50 y.o. sensitivity is not as marked as in a 30 y.o. When concerned one can switch if necessary to MRI but one doesnt want to lose track of a malignant lesion being followed for response
Answered 5/31/2014
4k views
Too low to measure: The radiation from scans is real and is ionizing, capable of causing cancer. I've looked at the math and the risk is still very low -- and no reasonable person questions the benefits of a CT scan when it's ordered responsibly. You also know that you get ionizing radiation from cosmic rays and even the potassium in your own body (it's mildly radioactive). Life's about weighing risks and benefits.
Answered 6/30/2015
4k views
Related Questions
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30-year-old female - 1 head CT as an adolescent, 1 neck CT recently. So scared that the radiation from these 2 scans will cause cancer. Please advise?
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2 CTA & 9 head CT. Studies online say going to get brain cancer.upset.Thought only large radiation doses at once was bad. MD scared me over amount.
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