Radiation Dose: Concerns After a Pelvic CT Scan

Questions regarding radiation dosage?

Hello Dr.
Chang,
I recently underwent a pelvic CT scan at a certain hospital and called the staff there to inquire about the radiation dose.
However, the staff member mentioned that he couldn't determine the radiation dose from the data (because it requires conversion, and if he knew how, he could have a PhD).
According to him, the radiation dose varies depending on individual factors such as body size and the area being scanned, and their computer program is over 20 years old (I’m not sure if the outdated program is why they couldn't provide this information).

After about 20 minutes of persistent inquiry, I learned that the scan was performed from below, and the pelvic bones were clearly imaged, but the lower abdomen was only partially captured (I'm not sure what that means), resulting in unclear organ images.
Additionally, I am not overweight, weighing less than 50 kilograms.
I wonder if these clues are helpful to you.

I heard after the examination that a single CT scan is equivalent to several hundred X-rays, which raises concerns for me.
I am unsure if this could have any impact on my health.
Could you please help clarify this for me? I would greatly appreciate it!

belle, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/06/09

Dr. Zhang Zheng'ang reply Radiology

Hello, a computed tomography (CT) scan requires a significant amount of radiation dose to obtain sufficient imaging information for diagnosis.
A typical abdominal CT scan has a dose of about 10 mSv.
Doses ranging from 2 to 10 mSv are considered low for the human body, but the medical community does not have enough experience regarding the potential harm of such low-dose radiation.
This is for your reference.

Reply Date: 2020/06/09

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding the radiation dose from your recent pelvic CT scan. It's completely understandable to have questions about the potential risks associated with medical imaging, especially given the increasing awareness of radiation exposure.

First, let's clarify the radiation dose associated with CT scans. A typical pelvic CT scan can expose a patient to a radiation dose ranging from approximately 10 to 20 millisieverts (mSv), depending on various factors such as the specific protocol used, the patient's size, and the area being scanned. To put this into perspective, the average person is exposed to about 3 mSv of natural background radiation per year. Therefore, a single CT scan can represent a significant increase in exposure compared to natural background levels.

The concern about radiation exposure is valid, particularly when it comes to the cumulative effects of multiple imaging studies over time. Research indicates that exposure to high doses of radiation can increase the risk of developing cancer later in life. However, it's important to note that the risk associated with a single CT scan is relatively low. According to the National Cancer Institute, the estimated risk of developing cancer from a single CT scan is about 1 in 2,000.

Regarding the information you received from the hospital staff, it is true that the radiation dose can vary based on individual factors, including body size and the specific imaging protocol used. Modern CT scanners often have dose optimization features that adjust the radiation dose based on the patient's size and the area being scanned. Older machines may not have these advanced features, which could lead to higher doses than necessary.

If you are concerned about the radiation dose from your CT scan, here are a few steps you can take:
1. Discuss with Your Physician: It's essential to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider about the necessity of the CT scan and any potential alternatives. In some cases, other imaging modalities, such as ultrasound or MRI, may be appropriate and involve little to no radiation exposure.

2. Inquire About the Protocol: Ask your healthcare provider about the specific protocol used for your CT scan. Understanding the rationale behind the imaging choices can help alleviate concerns.

3. Consider Cumulative Exposure: If you have had multiple imaging studies, it may be worth discussing with your physician how to manage your cumulative radiation exposure. They can help you weigh the benefits of necessary imaging against the potential risks.

4. Stay Informed: Educate yourself about the radiation doses associated with various imaging studies. Resources such as the American College of Radiology and the Radiological Society of North America provide valuable information on this topic.

5. Follow-Up: If you experience any symptoms or have ongoing concerns, ensure that you follow up with your healthcare provider. They can help monitor your health and determine if further imaging is necessary.

In conclusion, while it is important to be aware of radiation exposure from medical imaging, it is equally important to consider the benefits of these diagnostic tools in managing your health. CT scans can provide critical information that may not be obtainable through other means, and the decision to proceed with imaging should always be made in the context of your overall health needs.

If you have further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. Your health and peace of mind are paramount.

Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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