Concerns About Radiation Exposure and Weight Loss: What You Need to Know

Q: Concerns About Radiation Exposure and Weight Loss: What You Need to Know

Hello： According to the information from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the radiation dose for a head CT scan is approximately 2 millisieverts (mSv), 10 chest X-rays (both frontal and lateral views) is about 1 mSv, an abdominal CT scan is around 8 mSv, and an a

Radiation Issues

Hello Doctor, due to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, I underwent the following examinations in 2018 and 2019: head CT scan, head MRI, chest X-rays (about 10 times), abdominal CT scan, neck ultrasound, echocardiogram, breast ultrasound, gastroscopy, abdominal ultrasound, abdominal X-ray, and colonoscopy...
essentially a full-body check-up.
However, I have experienced a sudden weight loss of 20 kilograms over the past six months, and all blood tests have returned normal, ruling out diabetes and thyroid disorders.
The doctor referred me to a mental health specialist, suggesting that my anxiety is the cause.
Could you please tell me if this sudden weight loss is related to the frequent exposure to radiation from these tests over the past two years? Am I at risk of developing cancer?

Miss Pan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/01/03

Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology

Hello: According to the information from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the radiation dose for a head CT scan is approximately 2 millisieverts (mSv), 10 chest X-rays (both frontal and lateral views) is about 1 mSv, an abdominal CT scan is around 8 mSv, and an abdominal X-ray is about 0.7 mSv.
Other mentioned examinations do not involve radiation.
The total radiation dose from the examinations you listed is approximately 11.7 mSv, which results in an additional cancer risk of less than 0.2%.
According to the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) report 103, doses below 100 mSv (whether single or multiple) do not cause clinically significant functional damage.
Therefore, it can be inferred that your sudden weight loss is not caused by these radiological examinations.
If you have concerns about the examinations, it is advisable to communicate further with your physician to assess whether the benefits of the examinations outweigh the risks before proceeding.
Wishing you safety and good health.

Reply Date: 2020/01/03

More Info

Concerns about radiation exposure, especially in the context of frequent medical imaging, are valid and warrant careful consideration. The types of imaging you mentioned—CT scans, X-rays, and MRIs—each have different levels of radiation exposure associated with them.
CT scans and X-rays involve ionizing radiation, which can potentially increase the risk of cancer over time, particularly with repeated exposure. However, the risk from a single imaging session is generally considered low. For instance, a single CT scan of the abdomen may expose a patient to the equivalent of several years of natural background radiation. The cumulative effect of multiple scans can increase this risk, but it is important to note that the medical benefits of these scans often outweigh the potential risks, especially when they are necessary for diagnosing or monitoring health conditions.

In your case, the significant weight loss of 20 kilograms over six months, despite normal blood tests ruling out diabetes and thyroid disorders, raises concerns that may not be directly related to radiation exposure. Rapid weight loss can be caused by various factors, including psychological stress, anxiety, dietary changes, or underlying medical conditions that may not have been detected yet. Since your doctor has suggested that anxiety might be a contributing factor, it would be prudent to explore this avenue further. Anxiety and stress can lead to changes in appetite and metabolism, which could explain the weight loss.

Regarding your concern about cancer, while it is true that ionizing radiation can increase cancer risk, the actual risk from the imaging tests you underwent is relatively small, especially when compared to the potential benefits of accurate diagnosis and treatment. The likelihood of developing cancer from medical imaging is a complex issue and depends on various factors, including the total amount of radiation exposure, your age, gender, and individual health history.

If you are worried about the potential long-term effects of radiation exposure, it would be beneficial to discuss these concerns with your healthcare provider. They can help you assess your individual risk and determine if any further monitoring or preventive measures are necessary. Additionally, if you are experiencing anxiety related to your health or weight loss, seeking support from a mental health professional could be beneficial. They can provide strategies to manage anxiety and help you develop a healthier relationship with food and your body.

In summary, while there is a theoretical risk associated with radiation exposure from frequent imaging, the immediate concern regarding your weight loss is likely more related to psychological factors or other underlying health issues rather than radiation exposure itself. It is essential to continue working closely with your healthcare team to address both your physical and mental health needs.

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