Understanding Radiation Risks: Insights on CT Scans and Cancer Concerns
Radiation issues Dear Director Wang, Thank you very much for your detailed explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of computed tomography (CT) scans in response to my previous questions. I am particularly concerned about the potential harm caused by radiation, which is i...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, a 22-year-old male undergoing a standard abdominal CT scan has a 99.9% chance of not developing additional cancer risk. The benefit of undergoing a CT scan is that it provides diagnostic reference for physicians. Rese...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Risks: Insights on CT Scans and Cancer Concerns
Concerns About CT Scan Radiation Exposure and Its Health Risks
I am very concerned about the potential harm from radiation exposure during a CT scan? Hello Director Wang, I am a patient from the Taipei Chang Gung Emergency Department on the early morning of March 27. I am just 22 years old and experienced pain in my lower right abdomen that...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
1. The CT images are synthesized by a computer to form the final images. The number of breaths taken during the examination, as well as the scanning area and breath-holding time, varies from person to person. Since your main complaint is right lower abdominal pain, the typical sc...[Read More] Concerns About CT Scan Radiation Exposure and Its Health Risks
Understanding Bilateral Lower Lung Nodules: Next Steps After X-Ray Findings
Bilateral lower lung nodular shadows? In the health check report, the chest X-ray examination shows bilateral lower lung nodular shadows. Should further examination be conducted?
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Bilateral lower lung nodular shadows are noted. It is recommended to visit the pulmonary medicine outpatient clinic for evaluation by a physician to determine whether additional X-ray imaging of the nodules is necessary, or to arrange for other examinations such as a low-dose com...[Read More] Understanding Bilateral Lower Lung Nodules: Next Steps After X-Ray Findings
Impact of X-rays on Fertility Treatments: What You Need to Know
X-ray issues Hello, I am currently undergoing infertility treatment, which requires regular administration of ovulation injections and medication. My company recently scheduled a health check that includes an X-ray. I asked my doctor, and they advised against it. I would like to ...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Please discuss the risks and benefits of the X-ray examination with your physician before deciding whether to proceed. Since X-ray examinations involve ionizing radiation, there is a potential risk of fetal malformation or miscarriage for pregnant women. It is essential to confir...[Read More] Impact of X-rays on Fertility Treatments: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Risks of Multiple X-Ray Exposures in Dental Care
Excessive exposure to X-rays in a short period of time? Hello, Doctor. Since December of last year until now in April, I have undergone multiple dental procedures, including wisdom tooth extraction. Due to my excessive concern about cavities in my wisdom teeth, I have visited sev...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
According to the calculation method provided by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the radiation dose from five dental X-rays is approximately 0.025 mSv, while the dose from six full-mouth X-rays is about 0.06 mSv. A single 3D dental computed tomography (CT) scan h...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Multiple X-Ray Exposures in Dental Care
Understanding the Relationship Between X-Ray Dose and Exposure Time
The relationship between X-ray dosage and exposure time is that the longer the exposure time, the higher the radiation dose received by the patient. This is because the amount of radiation delivered is directly proportional to the duration of exposure. Therefore, to minimize radi...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Dose unit: Sievert (Sv), which indicates the magnitude of radiation's impact on the human body. 1 Sievert (Sv) = 1000 millisieverts (mSv); 1 millisievert (mSv) = 1000 microsieverts (µSv). The radiation exposure dose is related to factors such as exposure time and distance, a...[Read More] Understanding the Relationship Between X-Ray Dose and Exposure Time
Can Heart Stents Safely Undergo MRI Scans? A Patient's Dilemma
Can a patient with a stent installed during cardiac catheterization undergo an MRI examination? Dear Director Wang, I am a heart disease patient who had three coronary stents implanted at Medical Center A in mid-March 2017. Additionally, I am receiving treatment for cervical and...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello Mr. Li, regarding the explanation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), here are the details: MRI is a specialized examination conducted in a strong magnetic field environment, and a thorough safety assessment of the patient prior to the MRI is essential. Certain metals may ...[Read More] Can Heart Stents Safely Undergo MRI Scans? A Patient's Dilemma
Understanding Radiation Exposure from Pediatric CT Scans
Radiation Concerns in Pediatric Brain CT Scans Hello Dr. Wang, about six years ago, my child underwent a brain CT scan at a medical center when he was just over a month old. I am unsure how much radiation dose was absorbed based on the technology at that time. Could this have any...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
The assessment of radiation dose and risk is primarily based on average values for adults. An adult receives approximately 2 millisieverts of radiation from a single brain CT scan, with more than 99% of individuals not experiencing an increased risk of additional cancer. The calc...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure from Pediatric CT Scans
Understanding Chest X-Ray Challenges: Accuracy and Comparison Insights
Left chest pain X-ray issues? 1. It is indeed recommended to have chest X-rays performed at the same hospital, as using the same machine allows for better comparison of images over time, making it easier to detect any changes. 2. The technical capabilities of X-ray machines can ...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
1. Chest X-ray examinations are not required to be performed on the same machine or at the same hospital. 2. Hospitals that have passed evaluation by the medical review committee will have qualified radiologic technologists perform X-rays for patients, ensuring a competent level ...[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Challenges: Accuracy and Comparison Insights
Is Low-Dose Lung CT Enough to Replace Chest X-Ray in Health Checks?
Is low-dose computed tomography of the lungs redundant compared to chest X-ray examination? Hello, general health check-up packages usually include a chest X-ray. If I opt to pay out-of-pocket for a low-dose lung CT scan, can I skip the chest X-ray to avoid duplication? If both t...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Chest X-rays and low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans of the lungs are obtained using different imaging diagnostic tools and should not be considered duplicate examinations. For lung cancer screening, it is recommended to use low-dose CT scans as the screening tool. General he...[Read More] Is Low-Dose Lung CT Enough to Replace Chest X-Ray in Health Checks?
Concerns About Radiation and Food Safety in Taiwan After Japan's Nuclear Disaster
Radiation Pollution and Food Safety in Japan Hello, I am currently two months pregnant and living on the Northeast coast of the United States. I really hope to return to Taiwan for two or three months, but I am very concerned about the environmental radiation issues in Taiwan. My...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
1. Regarding food safety issues in Japan, as a non-radiological diagnostic medical professional, it is recommended to consult the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Food and Drug Administration or refer to the FDA's official website under the "Japan Food Management S...[Read More] Concerns About Radiation and Food Safety in Taiwan After Japan's Nuclear Disaster
Understanding CT Scan Radiation: Managing Anxiety and Health Risks
Computed Tomography Radiation Hello Doctor, I undergo health check-ups every year, with two X-rays each time and an abdominal ultrasound annually. Recently, due to frequent headaches, my doctor ordered a CT scan of my brain, which showed no issues, but an incidental finding of a ...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
The radiation dose from a brain CT scan is approximately 2 millisieverts, while the radiation dose from a lung CT scan is about 7 millisieverts. Ionizing radiation may induce cellular mutations that can lead to cancer, with the probability of occurrence being dose-dependent. Howe...[Read More] Understanding CT Scan Radiation: Managing Anxiety and Health Risks
Can X-rays Reveal Uneven Surfaces on Teeth?
Dental X-ray Hello Doctor: If the surface of the tooth has been ground down and is uneven, but there is no filling, can an X-ray show the uneven areas of the tooth? Thank you!
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
X-ray imaging can reveal the external structure of teeth. However, all imaging tools have their limitations, so please discuss the results with your treating physician.[Read More] Can X-rays Reveal Uneven Surfaces on Teeth?
Understanding X-Ray Procedures for Children: Safety and Radiation Concerns
X-ray Issues in Children Hello Doctor, I would like to ask: Isn't it standard procedure for a chest X-ray to have the patient face the plate tightly, with the X-ray machine shooting from the back? However, on August 9th, when I accompanied my 6-year-old daughter into the X...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
X-ray images can reveal the structural appearance of teeth. However, any imaging tool has its limitations, so please discuss the results with your treating physician.[Read More] Understanding X-Ray Procedures for Children: Safety and Radiation Concerns
Understanding Eye CT Scans: Radiation Risks and Breastfeeding Concerns
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Hello, a few days ago I developed cellulitis as a complication of a stye, and I experienced pain with eye movement. The doctor in the emergency room was concerned about potential effects on the retina, so they arranged for a non-contrast orbital...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
The radiation dose from a head CT scan is approximately 2 millisieverts, and there is a greater than 99% chance that it will not increase the risk of additional cancers in the brain or other parts of the body. This examination will not affect breastfeeding; however, since you hav...[Read More] Understanding Eye CT Scans: Radiation Risks and Breastfeeding Concerns
Is Frequent X-Ray Exposure Harmful? Understanding Risks After 6 X-Rays
Six X-rays were taken in half an hour? Hello doctor, I recently sprained my ankle and have some pain in my jaw. After seeing a doctor, I was advised to get X-rays. Within half an hour, I had a total of 6 X-rays taken (4 of my head and 2 of my foot) without wearing any protective ...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
The radiation dose from a head X-ray is approximately 0.1 millisieverts, while a limb X-ray is about 0.001 millisieverts. In Taiwan, the average annual natural background radiation dose per person is around 1.62 millisieverts. You have received 4 head X-rays and 2 foot X-rays, re...[Read More] Is Frequent X-Ray Exposure Harmful? Understanding Risks After 6 X-Rays
Understanding Radiation Exposure from Multiple CT Scans and MRI
Health check-up includes 640-slice cardiac CT, pulmonary CT, and MRI? Hello, my parents are planning to undergo health check-ups and have scheduled a 640-slice CT scan of the lungs, a 640-slice CT scan of the heart, and a whole-body MRI. Although I have done some research online ...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
The radiation dose for a computed tomography (CT) scan of the lungs is approximately 2 millisieverts, while a coronary computed tomography angiography (coronary CTA) is about 16 millisieverts. The combined risk of these two examinations resulting in additional cancer is over 99%....[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure from Multiple CT Scans and MRI
Can You Undergo MRI After Venous Sinus Embolization with Metal Dental Braces?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) I would like to ask the doctor if I can undergo an MRI scan for follow-up after having undergone embolization of the cervical cavernous sinus fistula this year, considering that I have fixed metal braces and the consent form for the vascular embol...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
MRI poses no radiation risk and provides high resolution of brain tissue, making it suitable as an imaging diagnostic tool for the repeated monitoring of brain lesions. Common fixed braces and platinum embolization coils can undergo MRI examinations, but they may cause image arti...[Read More] Can You Undergo MRI After Venous Sinus Embolization with Metal Dental Braces?
Understanding the Risks of X-rays for Young Children: A Parent's Guide
The risks of X-ray exposure in young children? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my child who had an X-ray taken at 6 months old to check the spine (including both chest and abdomen), and another X-ray at 2 years old to check for pneumonia (which also included the abdomen i...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
The risk of radiation-induced cancer is related to radiation dose, age, gender (with females being more sensitive than males), and the organ being irradiated. Generally, the radiation dose from a chest X-ray is quite low; according to the American College of Radiology, the radiat...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of X-rays for Young Children: A Parent's Guide
Concerns About Multiple X-Ray Exposures in Two and a Half Months
Number of X-rays taken within two and a half months? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing various discomforts in my body, and from the end of December last year to the beginning of March this year, I underwent several X-rays: one of the throat at the end of December,...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
In general, the radiation dose from chest X-rays and dental X-rays is quite low. If multiple X-ray examinations are required, it is advisable to discuss the necessity of the tests with your physician beforehand.[Read More] Concerns About Multiple X-Ray Exposures in Two and a Half Months