Radiation Risks in Nuclear Medicine: Patient Concerns Addressed - Nuclear Medicine

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Radiation issues


My female patient had an MRI of the lungs in December and is scheduled for a nuclear medicine thyroid scan in May.
Will this pose any harm to her body? Is there a risk of cellular mutation?

Peng Peng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/04/20

Dr. Zheng Xiaoyi reply Nuclear Medicine


Hello, Miss Peng.
According to the literature, low-dose radiation exposure below 100 millisieverts does not increase the risk of cancer, and most nuclear medicine examinations involve radiation exposure below this threshold, so they do not significantly impact human health.
If you are still concerned about low-dose radiation, I recommend discussing with your primary physician whether there are alternative methods available.
Wishing you good health and all the best.

Reply Date: 2023/04/20

More Info


When it comes to understanding the risks associated with nuclear medicine, particularly in the context of your upcoming thyroid treatment, it's essential to clarify a few key points regarding radiation exposure and its potential effects on the body.

Firstly, nuclear medicine procedures often involve the use of radioactive isotopes to diagnose or treat various conditions. In your case, the upcoming thyroid treatment will likely involve a radioactive iodine isotope, which is commonly used for conditions such as hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer. The amount of radiation exposure from these procedures is typically low, and the benefits often outweigh the risks.

According to various studies and guidelines, including those from the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), exposure to radiation levels below 100 millisieverts (mSv) is generally considered to pose minimal risk for developing cancer or causing significant health issues. In fact, many diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures result in radiation doses that are well below this threshold. For example, the radiation dose from a typical thyroid scan can range from 1 to 10 mSv, depending on the specific procedure and the amount of radioactive material used.

Regarding your concern about cellular mutations, it is important to note that while radiation can cause changes at the cellular level, the likelihood of such mutations leading to cancer is significantly lower at low doses. The risk of cancer increases with higher doses of radiation, but for the doses typically used in nuclear medicine, the increase in risk is quite small. For instance, studies have shown that the additional cancer risk from a single nuclear medicine procedure is often comparable to the risk of being exposed to natural background radiation over a period of a few months.

Moreover, the body has mechanisms to repair DNA damage caused by radiation. While it is true that any exposure to radiation carries some risk, the body is equipped to handle low levels of radiation exposure effectively. The majority of people who undergo nuclear medicine procedures do not experience adverse effects, and serious complications are rare.

If you are still feeling anxious about the procedure, it is advisable to have an open discussion with your healthcare provider. They can provide you with detailed information about the specific procedure you will undergo, the expected radiation dose, and the safety measures in place to minimize any potential risks. Understanding the rationale behind the use of nuclear medicine and the expected outcomes can help alleviate some of your concerns.

In summary, while it is natural to have concerns about radiation exposure, especially in the context of medical procedures, the risks associated with nuclear medicine are generally low, particularly when the procedures are performed according to established safety guidelines. The benefits of accurate diagnosis and effective treatment often far exceed the potential risks. Always feel empowered to ask questions and seek clarification from your healthcare team to ensure you feel comfortable and informed about your treatment options.

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