Radiation Exposure and Its Risks for Blood Cancer

Radiation-induced leukemia

Hello doctor, when I was around 10 years old in elementary school, I had several dental X-rays due to root canal treatments.
In high school, around 17 years old, I had a full-body X-ray.
At 20, I had several chest X-rays (about 5) due to part-time work.
At 22, I consulted two orthodontic clinics and had two full-mouth X-rays.
At 25, I had one full-mouth X-ray and five single-tooth X-rays, one of which was taken without a lead apron while I was lying on the dental chair.
When I was 26, I had two chest X-rays, three abdominal X-rays, and one abdominal CT scan without contrast.
Am I at a high risk of developing cancer? Is it true that leukemia can develop within 3-5 years? Also, does ultrasound pose any harm to the body? Thank you.
🙏

Pingguo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/04/18

Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology

Hello, the X-ray examinations you mentioned involve low-dose radiation, with a total radiation dose not exceeding 100 millisieverts.
According to the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) report 103, doses below 100 millisieverts (whether single or multiple exposures) do not cause clinically significant functional impairment.
The exact cause of leukemia remains unknown, but it appears to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Ultrasound poses no radiation risk to the human body.
Following your doctor's advice to undergo radiation-related examinations is based on the consideration that the health benefits outweigh the effects of radiation.
If you have concerns, it is advisable to communicate further with your physician before proceeding with the examination.
Do not avoid tests out of fear of radiation, as this may lead to missed opportunities for disease treatment.
Please take this into consideration, and I wish you peace and good health.

Reply Date: 2021/04/18

More Info

Understanding the risks associated with radiation exposure, particularly in relation to blood cancers such as leukemia, is crucial for making informed health decisions. Your concerns about the cumulative radiation exposure from various X-ray procedures and its potential link to cancer, especially given your history, are valid and deserve careful consideration.

First, it’s important to understand the types of radiation involved in medical imaging. X-rays and CT scans use ionizing radiation, which has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, potentially leading to cellular damage. However, the doses of radiation used in standard medical imaging are relatively low. For instance, a typical chest X-ray exposes a patient to about 0.1 mSv, while a CT scan of the abdomen can expose a patient to approximately 10 mSv. Cumulatively, the doses you mentioned from various X-rays and CT scans likely remain below the threshold that is considered to pose a significant risk for cancer development.

According to the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), exposure to radiation below 100 mSv is not associated with a measurable increase in cancer risk. Your total exposure, as you described, seems to be within this range. The risk of developing leukemia or other cancers from such levels of exposure is statistically low. It’s also worth noting that leukemia, particularly acute forms, can arise from a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental factors, and not solely from radiation exposure.

Regarding your concern about the timeline for leukemia development, it is true that certain types of leukemia can manifest within a few years after significant radiation exposure, particularly in cases of high-dose exposure, such as those seen in atomic bomb survivors. However, the doses from medical imaging are much lower, and the majority of leukemia cases are not linked to radiation exposure.

As for ultrasound, it is a non-ionizing imaging technique that uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. It does not involve radiation and is considered safe for both adults and children. Therefore, you need not worry about ultrasound contributing to cancer risk.

In summary, while it is wise to be cautious about radiation exposure, the levels you have experienced from routine medical imaging are unlikely to significantly increase your risk of developing blood cancers like leukemia. It is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare providers about any concerns you have regarding imaging procedures. They can help assess the necessity of each procedure based on your medical history and current health needs.

If you have ongoing concerns about your health or the cumulative effects of past imaging, consider discussing these with a specialist in radiation safety or a hematologist who can provide personalized insights based on your medical history. Remember, the benefits of necessary imaging often outweigh the risks, especially when it comes to diagnosing and treating potential health issues.

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