Understanding Radiation Exposure: Risks and Safety Tips After CT Scans
Questions regarding radiation? In June of this year, I had an accident and since then I have undergone a total body CT scan once, a head CT scan twice (one with fine cuts), seven X-rays of the head (from different angles), and ten X-rays of the shoulder (from different angles). D...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, the "radiation" produced by X-ray machines is a form of energy that penetrates objects to create images of them. For example, sunlight is a type of energy that does not accumulate, and similarly, the radiation from X-ray machines does not accumulate in the body, ...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure: Risks and Safety Tips After CT Scans
Understanding X-Ray Exams for Scoliosis: Radiation Exposure Explained
Please ask Dr. Wang another question? Hello Dr. Wang, I would like to ask which parts are examined for scoliosis? I have had three X-rays taken, one in a supine position and one in a lateral position each time. How much radiation have I been exposed to approximately? Thank you, D...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello Mr. Huang: The X-ray for scoliosis is performed to assess the angle of spinal curvature, and the imaging range should at least include the thoracic and lumbar spine. The number of images taken and the radiation dose may vary slightly depending on the machine type and the bo...[Read More] Understanding X-Ray Exams for Scoliosis: Radiation Exposure Explained
Understanding the Health Risks of Multiple X-Ray Exposures
Issues Related to Radiation Exposure from X-rays Hello Doctor, I would like to ask if the cumulative radiation from the five X-rays I had in the past two years—two lumbar X-rays in March and April of last year, a chest X-ray in January this year due to a work-related strain, anot...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, Ms. Gao: According to the information from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the radiation dose for a lumbar X-ray is approximately 1.5 millisieverts, for a chest X-ray (both frontal and lateral views) it is about 0.1 millisieverts, and for a full-mouth den...[Read More] Understanding the Health Risks of Multiple X-Ray Exposures
Understanding Radiation Exposure from Multiple X-rays and CT Scans: Risks and Insights
Radiation issues Hello Dr. Wang: This year, I went to a clinic for X-rays due to lower back pain, and they told me I have scoliosis. I then went to Asia University Hospital and had two more X-rays to check for scoliosis, totaling three spinal X-rays (two images taken at different...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello Mr. Huang: The spine can be divided into the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions. According to the website supported by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, the radiation dose from a head CT scan is approximately 2 millisieverts, two chest X-rays ar...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure from Multiple X-rays and CT Scans: Risks and Insights
Understanding Low-Dose CT Scans: Safety and Pregnancy Considerations
Low-dose computed tomography (chest) Hello Dr. Wang! I went to the hospital for a premarital health check on October 17, and yesterday (November 6), after receiving the examination results, I found out that the chest X-ray was diagnosed with a suspected lung nodule. I am concerne...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello Ms. Chen, there are multiple factors to consider regarding the timing of pregnancy. It is advisable to monitor the results of the lung nodule examinations and discuss them in detail with both a pulmonologist and an obstetrician-gynecologist before deciding on the timing of ...[Read More] Understanding Low-Dose CT Scans: Safety and Pregnancy Considerations
Understanding Radiation Exposure from Dental X-rays: Risks and Safety Measures
The issue of radiation exposure? Hello, I have a couple of questions. 1. I recently visited a dental clinic where they required a full-mouth X-ray without wearing a lead apron or neck protection. The clinic stated that their machine would not produce images if lead protection w...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello: 1. According to the recommendations of the Atomic Energy Council of the Executive Yuan, the appropriate use of radiation protective gear can effectively reduce radiation dose. However, if not worn properly, it may affect image quality, or if the X-ray machine has Automatic...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure from Dental X-rays: Risks and Safety Measures
CT Scans in Infants: Understanding Radiation Risks and Concerns
Pediatric Computed Tomography (CT) Scan Hello, doctor. My baby is five months old and fell from the bed. The doctor performed a full-body CT scan, and the brain received about 2 millisieverts, while the body received about 9 millisieverts. Will this increase the risk of developin...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, computed tomography (CT) scans can assist physicians in quickly diagnosing acute conditions such as intracranial hemorrhage, pneumothorax, visceral bleeding, or fractures in trauma patients, allowing for timely and appropriate interventions. This has advantages for clinica...[Read More] CT Scans in Infants: Understanding Radiation Risks and Concerns
Understanding Mammography Radiation Exposure and Breast Cancer Risk: Your Concerns Addressed
Mammography Hello, Doctor. I had an ultrasound examination that revealed a lump in my breast, and the physician recommended a mammogram. I was too nervous during the procedure, and my chin obstructed the view when imaging my left breast, so it had to be redone. Consequently, I ha...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, the radiation dose from a standard screening mammogram is 0.7 millisieverts, which includes four images (two of the left breast and two of the right breast). The total radiation exposure from five images will not exceed 1 millisievert, and this will not increase the risk o...[Read More] Understanding Mammography Radiation Exposure and Breast Cancer Risk: Your Concerns Addressed
Assessing the Role of PET Scans in Detecting Bone Metastasis from Breast Cancer
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) for the detection of bone metastases in cancer? Hello Dr. Wang: Can positron emission tomography (PET) be used to examine bone metastasis in breast cancer? Is its sensitivity high? I have come across some articles online stating that PET is not ...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, Dr. Kwang-Wei Hong, Deputy Director of Changbin Show Chwan Nuclear Medicine Department, shares the following insights: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) utilizes Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to detect abnormal cellular metabolism, while bone scans use MDP to identify new bone...[Read More] Assessing the Role of PET Scans in Detecting Bone Metastasis from Breast Cancer
Should You Worry About Radiation Exposure from Recent Medical Imaging?
Radiation Issues Hello: In January of this year, I had a CT scan of my head due to stones found during a tonsil examination. In April, I had a dental X-ray of my front teeth (not a full mouth series). Should I be concerned about the radiation exposure from these procedures? I had...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
According to the website supported by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the radiation dose from a single head CT scan is approximately 2 millisieverts (mSv), while a single dental X-ray has a radiation dose of about 0.005 mSv. Therefore, the total radiation dose f...[Read More] Should You Worry About Radiation Exposure from Recent Medical Imaging?
Concerns About Radiation Exposure from X-rays in Infants
Concerns about radiation exposure from X-rays in infants? Hello Dr. Wang: My baby is 4 and a half months old and needs to have a bone age assessment due to some tests. During the procedure, my baby had difficulty controlling their hand, so we ended up taking 6 consecutive X-rays ...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
The radiation dose from six X-rays of the limbs is approximately 0.006 millisieverts. According to the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) report 103, doses below 100 millisieverts (whether received in a single exposure or multiple exposures) are not expect...[Read More] Concerns About Radiation Exposure from X-rays in Infants
Radiation Exposure in Color Localization for Lung Tumor Surgery
Radiation dose for localization of lung tumors? Before performing a wedge resection for a lung tumor, a dye localization procedure is conducted to pinpoint the tumor's location for minimally invasive surgery. It seems that multiple CT scans were performed during the localiza...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Although the process of a定位的電腦斷層檢查 (CT scan with localization) involves multiple scans, the scanning area is limited to the area of concern. Generally, the total radiation dose for this examination does not exceed that of a single diagnostic scan. According to reference doses pro...[Read More] Radiation Exposure in Color Localization for Lung Tumor Surgery
Can You Test for Radiation Exposure After Handling C14 in Experiments?
Laboratory C14 I apologize for the inconvenience. I would like to ask about an experiment I conducted involving carbon-14 labeling. I diluted C-14 and added it to seawater. During the experiment, some of the C-14-labeled seawater splashed onto my hand. Although I washed it off af...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Please notify the supervisory unit of your laboratory to assess the situation. If necessary, please visit the hospital for an examination. Wishing you safety. Yi-Fen Wang[Read More] Can You Test for Radiation Exposure After Handling C14 in Experiments?
Understanding the Differences Between Orthopedic and Thoracic X-rays
Is there a difference between orthopedic and thoracic X-rays? Hello, my son is currently 12 years old. One side of his sternum is flat while the other side is elevated, and the elevated side's nipple is also larger. We visited an orthopedic doctor and had an X-ray taken, but...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
I apologize for the late response as I just saw your question. A chest X-ray will not differ based on the requesting unit. An orthopedic physician focuses on the evaluation of bones, while a pulmonologist concentrates on lung diseases. If a child has developmental abnormalities, ...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Orthopedic and Thoracic X-rays
Comparing Nodule Imaging: Tracking Changes Over Time
Nodule imaging follow-up comparison Hello Dr. Wang, Thank you for your previous response. I apologize for bothering you with one last question. Regarding the nodule I consulted you about earlier, I would like to confirm whether this nodule was already present in the previous im...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Due to the varying angles of coronal reconstructions during each examination, the image on the far right (from the viewer's perspective) shows the left bronchus, while the image on the left does not. Based on the images you provided, it cannot be confirmed that these are the...[Read More] Comparing Nodule Imaging: Tracking Changes Over Time
Understanding Lung Nodules: Coronal vs. Axial CT Scan Views Explained
Pulmonary computed tomography (CT) - Issues related to the location of nodules in coronal and axial views? Hello Dr. Wang: During a health check-up, two nodules were detected in the left lung. I have two questions to ask: 1. The following image shows one of the nodules in the c...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
1. The nodule in the coronal view corresponds to the nodule in the left red box of the axial view (referring to the viewer's left side). 2. The nodules in the image at https://imgur.com/a/2knzJs4 are located in the upper left lung. After a lung CT scan during a health check,...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Coronal vs. Axial CT Scan Views Explained
Understanding Lung Nodules: Coronal vs. Axial CT Scan Views Explained
Lung Computed Tomography (CT) - Issues Related to Nodule Location in Coronal and Axial Views? Hello Dr. Wang: During a health check-up, two nodules were detected in my left lung. The following CT scan shows one of the nodules in the coronal view: https://imgur.com/a/zu1QmsH. I wo...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
The nodule in the coronal view appears to correspond more closely to the nodule within the left red box in the axial view (referring to the viewer's left). A lung CT scan performed during a health check can generate over 400 images through computer reconstruction. To accurat...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Coronal vs. Axial CT Scan Views Explained
Assessing Radiation Exposure from Dental X-rays and Air Travel for Kids
Pediatric Computed Tomography (CT) Scan Hello Dr. Wang: My 10-year-old daughter has a suspected 0.5 cm bony hard mass in her mandible. On June 9, she had a full-mouth X-ray taken at an orthodontic clinic, and on June 25, she had another full-mouth X-ray and a self-paid cone beam ...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
A 10-year-old female received a radiation dose of approximately 0.22 millisieverts from two full-mouth X-rays and one dental computed tomography scan. The radiation dose from a round-trip international flight to Europe or the United States is about 0.16 millisieverts. The total r...[Read More] Assessing Radiation Exposure from Dental X-rays and Air Travel for Kids
Can You Walk In for a CT Scan or Do You Need an Appointment?
CT appointment time In general, for a CT scan, it is usually necessary to make an appointment in advance. However, some facilities may allow for walk-in patients, depending on their availability and scheduling. For instance, if you arrive at the front desk in the morning, you may...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
The examination schedule will be arranged based on the patient's source. For emergency patients, after the emergency physician issues the examination order, the CT scan department will utilize available time slots to perform the examination as soon as possible. For outpatien...[Read More] Can You Walk In for a CT Scan or Do You Need an Appointment?
Understanding Ground-Glass Opacity (GGO) in Lung CT Scans: A Guide
Please inquire about the interpretation of ground-glass opacities (GGO) in computed tomography (CT) scans? Hello Dr. Wang, A few weeks ago, I underwent a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan of my lungs, which revealed a 0.5 cm ground-glass opacity (GGO) in the left lung that ...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Ground-glass opacities (GGO) are a nonspecific sign with a wide range of etiologies, including infections, chronic interstitial diseases, and acute alveolar diseases. In the provided images, the hazy appearance (GGO) is most prominent in the areas circled in red. When interpretin...[Read More] Understanding Ground-Glass Opacity (GGO) in Lung CT Scans: A Guide