What to Do If You've Been Exposed to Excessive Radiation?
What to do if you have been exposed to excessive radiation? Dear Dr. Sun, I apologize if I have submitted the consultation form multiple times, as I am not very familiar with using electronic devices. In December, I underwent a nuclear medicine cardiac examination due to chest p...
Dr. Sun Shengyi reply Radiology
The total radiation dose received is approximately 20 millisieverts. While this is not yet at a dangerous level, it is indeed somewhat high. The dose from a standard X-ray is relatively low (especially dental X-rays, which are only 0.01 millisieverts), but nuclear medicine proced...[Read More] What to Do If You've Been Exposed to Excessive Radiation?
Is 10 Millisieverts of Radiation Exposure in a Year Too Much?
Is 10 millisieverts a lot in a year? Hello, Dr. Sun. This year, due to various medical issues, I had a total of 2 abdominal X-rays, 3 frontal chest X-rays, 1 lateral chest X-ray, and one chest CT scan with contrast (not low-dose). After researching online, it seems that the total...
Dr. Sun Shengyi reply Radiology
A dose of 10 millisieverts is not particularly concerning; however, since the likelihood of radiation damage increases with higher doses and there is no definitive safety threshold, as well as the cumulative nature of its biological effects, it is still advisable to minimize unne...[Read More] Is 10 Millisieverts of Radiation Exposure in a Year Too Much?
How to Detect Excess Radiation Exposure in the Human Body?
How to determine if the human body has been exposed to excessive radiation? How can a doctor determine if their body has been exposed to excessive radiation? What methods can be used for detection? If there is already an issue with radiation overexposure, are there any solutions ...
Dr. Sun Shengyi reply Radiology
Unless radioactive substances are ingested or injected into the body, the radiation dose received from external exposure (such as X-rays) cannot be measured afterward. Aside from unavoidable natural background radiation, unnecessary exposure should be minimized, especially regard...[Read More] How to Detect Excess Radiation Exposure in the Human Body?
Concerns About Radiation Exposure from Frequent CT Scans
I am very concerned about exceeding radiation levels? Hello, doctor. Thank you for taking the time to help answer my questions. Due to my sinusitis, I originally had a sinus CT scan scheduled for next month. However, this week I experienced abdominal pain, and my doctor recommend...
Dr. Sun Shengyi reply Radiology
The radiation dose from a single abdominal CT scan with contrast injection is approximately 6-12 mSv (millisieverts), and this dose may vary depending on the purpose and scope of the examination. In contrast, a single head CT scan is about 2.0 mSv. The likelihood of this dose cau...[Read More] Concerns About Radiation Exposure from Frequent CT Scans
Understanding the Risks of Consuming Food After a Nuclear Disaster
Regarding the issue of food safety after a nuclear disaster? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if someone accidentally consumes food contaminated by nuclear disaster, is there an immediate harm to the body? If it is only consumed once, will it lead to cancer? Can the body natur...
Dr. Sun Shengyi reply Radiology
The probability of experiencing harm from consuming food contaminated by radiation from a nuclear disaster is very low, so there is no need for concern. The food ingested will be expelled from the body, which means the source of radiation is eliminated, stopping further exposure;...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Consuming Food After a Nuclear Disaster
Does Full-Body CT Scan Increase Cancer Risk? Understanding the Concerns
The relationship between whole-body computed tomography (CT) scans and cancer risk? Hello, doctor. Ten years ago, I went to the emergency room at Mackay Memorial Hospital due to abdominal pain of unknown origin. They administered a contrast agent into my body (which later caused ...
Dr. Sun Shengyi reply Radiology
In theory, any radiation exposure increases the risk of developing cancer, although the majority of doses are negligible. Based on your description, it seems you received a contrast agent (likely via intravenous injection), which suggests a total body computed tomography (CT) sca...[Read More] Does Full-Body CT Scan Increase Cancer Risk? Understanding the Concerns
Understanding Radiation Exposure from CTAP and Other CT Scans
Radiation dose of CT angiography (CTAP) The radiation dose for a computed tomography angiography of the portal vein (CTAP) is approximately 10-20 millisieverts (mSv). For abdominal CT scans, the radiation dose typically ranges from 5 to 15 mSv per scan. A low-dose CT (LDCT) scan ...
Dr. Sun Shengyi reply Radiology
A standard abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan typically has an average dose of about 8.0 mSv (millisieverts). For a CT angiography of the upper abdomen focusing on the liver and spleen (CTAP), additional scans may be performed at different times, and due to variations in bod...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure from CTAP and Other CT Scans
CT Scans for Liver Tumors: Radiation Risks and MRI Alternatives
Liver CT scan Hello Dr. Sun, I recently had an ultrasound during my health check-up that revealed a liver tumor. The doctor has arranged for a CT scan. I would like to know if the radiation exposure from the CT scan poses a cancer risk for my future, or if I can opt for an MRI in...
Dr. Sun Shengyi reply Radiology
The radiation dose from computed tomography (CT) scans of the liver can vary significantly depending on different factors such as the number of scans, body composition, and the scanning area, with an average dose of approximately 14.0 mSv (ranging from 8.0 to 21.0 mSv). This dose...[Read More] CT Scans for Liver Tumors: Radiation Risks and MRI Alternatives
Concerns About Excessive X-Ray Exposure: What You Need to Know
I have taken too many X-rays within a year and am concerned about the radiation dose being too high? Hello Doctor: Earlier this year, around February, I started experiencing frequent shoulder and neck pain, feeling uncomfortable no matter how I lay down. I suspected it might be r...
Dr. Sun Shengyi reply Radiology
Ms. Liang underwent a total of six spinal X-rays. The lumbar spine images had a higher dose, with two lateral views approximately 1.5 mSv (millisieverts), while the cervical spine images totaled about 1.0 mSv for four views. Currently, the equipment is very effective in controlli...[Read More] Concerns About Excessive X-Ray Exposure: What You Need to Know
Assessing Radiation Exposure from Thyroid Scans and Mammograms
Radiation doses from thyroid scans, ultrasounds, and mammograms? Hello Doctor: After giving birth, I discovered hyperthyroidism along with a thyroid nodule. The doctor wants to determine if this nodule is functional. In March, I underwent a technetium-99m thyroid scan, followed b...
Dr. Sun Shengyi reply Radiology
The radiation dose received after a thyroid scan varies significantly depending on the amount of the injected isotope and the duration of its retention in the body. The use of isotopes for examination involves a very low dose with prolonged exposure (unlike the single exposure fr...[Read More] Assessing Radiation Exposure from Thyroid Scans and Mammograms
Concerns About Radiation Exposure in Aging Dogs: What You Need to Know
Computed Tomography (CT) radiation Dear Doctor, My small dog is currently 15 years old. Four years ago, due to pectus excavatum, he underwent a chest CT scan (the doctor showed us two 3D images of the sternum). We later learned that the radiation dose is quite high. Additionally...
Dr. Sun Shengyi reply Radiology
The radiation dose from a routine chest computed tomography (CT) scan is approximately 7 mSv (millisieverts). However, the dose used for children and adolescents is typically lower. If the scan is focused solely on the bones and does not involve the injection of contrast agents, ...[Read More] Concerns About Radiation Exposure in Aging Dogs: What You Need to Know
Understanding Radiation Exposure from Dental and Chest X-rays
Radiation exposure issues? Hello, doctor. I have undergone a dental implant evaluation and had full mouth X-rays and dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) taken at three different clinics in early May, late May, and late June. Recently, I learned that my company requires a ...
Dr. Sun Shengyi reply Radiology
The radiation dose from a full mouth X-ray is approximately 0.02 mSv (millisieverts), while a dental computed tomography (CT) scan is about 0.08 mSv. A frontal chest X-ray is around 0.02 mSv, and a lateral chest X-ray is about 0.04 mSv (the lateral dose is indeed higher). Therefo...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure from Dental and Chest X-rays
Does Hip X-Ray for My One-Year-Old Affect Future Health?
My baby is one year and one month old. Will having a hip joint examination affect their future health? Hello doctor, my baby is one year and one month old. A few weeks ago, we went to National Taiwan University Hospital for hip X-rays, where four images were taken: three from the...
Dr. Sun Shengyi reply Radiology
For a one-year-old baby, the radiation dose from a single pelvic X-ray generally does not exceed 0.01 millisieverts, and taking four X-rays is unlikely to have any impact on future health. However, since radiation exposure is cumulative, unnecessary imaging should still be avoide...[Read More] Does Hip X-Ray for My One-Year-Old Affect Future Health?
Radiation Therapy for Stage II Breast Cancer: Key Questions Answered
Radiation therapy Dr. Sun: Hello! I have two questions I would like to ask you. Thank you for your answers. 1. After a local excision for stage II breast cancer, is it possible to choose not to undergo chemotherapy? Since the lymph nodes are clear, the doctor mentioned that I c...
Dr. Sun Shengyi reply Radiology
I apologize! For the treatment of breast cancer, it is best to consult a breast surgeon (as most cases require surgical intervention) or a medical oncologist. For aspects related to radiation therapy, you may consult a radiation oncologist. Cancer treatment often requires a multi...[Read More] Radiation Therapy for Stage II Breast Cancer: Key Questions Answered
Is It Safe to Have a Chest X-Ray When Preparing for Pregnancy?
Is it appropriate to undergo a general X-ray during the preparation for pregnancy? Hello Dr. Sun, due to work requirements, the company hopes that employees undergo a general X-ray examination once a year, primarily focusing on the "chest." However, since I am already 3...
Dr. Sun Shengyi reply Radiology
The period of greatest risk for radiation exposure from X-rays is during the first three months of pregnancy. If it is confirmed that a person is not pregnant, undergoing an X-ray poses no risk. It is advisable to avoid X-rays if there is a possibility of pregnancy or if one is a...[Read More] Is It Safe to Have a Chest X-Ray When Preparing for Pregnancy?
Techniques for Rib Examination: Diagnosing Rib Stability Issues
Techniques for Rib Examination Hello, Dr. Sun. I would like to ask you, if I have previously experienced external force that straightened my spine on both sides, what kind of examinations can I undergo to determine whether my ribs on both sides are resting on the vertebral bodies...
Dr. Sun Shengyi reply Radiology
General X-ray examinations related to the skeletal system are performed at specific angles for different body parts. Due to overlapping factors, it can be challenging to detect subtle, non-fixed changes between the thoracic vertebrae and ribs. If there is a possibility of unstabl...[Read More] Techniques for Rib Examination: Diagnosing Rib Stability Issues
Assessing Risks of Internal Exposure to Cs137 from Fukushima Radiation
Radiation dust from the Fukushima nuclear power plant? In light of the fact that the Atomic Energy Commission has assessed the risks of external ionizing radiation to the human body but has not addressed the risks of internal low-dose long-term radiation, and considering that the...
Dr. Sun Shengyi reply Radiology
Residents who have been in the Fukushima nuclear disaster area may be contaminated with cesium-137, and detection can only be confirmed using radiation detection instruments. If there has been close contact with others who are contaminated, the potential radiation exposure will d...[Read More] Assessing Risks of Internal Exposure to Cs137 from Fukushima Radiation
Understanding the Role of Chest X-Rays Before Surgery
Preoperative examinations before hospitalization for surgery? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the purpose of taking a chest X-ray before surgery, along with blood tests and an electrocardiogram. Is the X-ray used to check for lung tumors as well?
Dr. Sun Shengyi reply Radiology
Preoperative blood tests, electrocardiograms, and chest X-rays are standard preparatory examinations before surgery. The chest X-ray is performed to ensure that there are no pulmonary abnormalities that could affect the surgery; it is not solely for the purpose of detecting lung ...[Read More] Understanding the Role of Chest X-Rays Before Surgery
Understanding the Differences in MRI Scans: Brain vs. Head and Neck
Differences in MRI Regions Hello, doctor. I looked up MRI examinations online, and I found that there are different prices for brain, head, and neck scans. Aren't the brain and head the same area? Why is there a difference? Additionally, I had a CT scan of the head ordered b...
Dr. Sun Shengyi reply Radiology
In MRI examinations of the head and neck, the scanning parameters and coil selection vary based on clinical needs related to the intracranial region (primarily the cerebrum and cerebellum), sinuses, pharynx, cervical spine, or vascular structures. It is not always possible to com...[Read More] Understanding the Differences in MRI Scans: Brain vs. Head and Neck
Understanding X-Ray Radiation Dose: Clarifying Myocardial Perfusion Scans and Safety Tips
Re: X-ray Radiation Dose I am Mr. Li, who asked a question on November 7. Thank you very much for your response, doctor. I would like to ask again whether the 10 mSv radiation dose you mentioned refers specifically to the radiation dose from the myocardial perfusion scan, or is i...
Dr. Sun Shengyi reply Radiology
The estimated radiation dose of approximately 10 mSv is based on the cumulative dose from the examinations you have undergone over the past ten years, which is not considered a high dose. The greater concern is short-term exposure to high doses of radiation. Radiation effects can...[Read More] Understanding X-Ray Radiation Dose: Clarifying Myocardial Perfusion Scans and Safety Tips