Can CT Scans Detect Tumors in the Duodenum?
There is a long tumor at the posterior end of the duodenum? I would like to ask if, in addition to enteroscopy, a CT scan can help determine the presence of a tumor at the posterior end of the duodenum?
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, a computed tomography (CT) scan may not necessarily reveal whether there is a tumor at the posterior end of the duodenum. CT is a non-invasive examination, and its diagnostic accuracy can be influenced by the nature of the lesion (location, size, tumor characteristics), th...[Read More] Can CT Scans Detect Tumors in the Duodenum?
Understanding CT Scans for Abdominal Discomfort: What You Need to Know
Questions about Computed Tomography (CT) Scans? I would like to ask about my discomfort in the upper right abdomen that has persisted for the past couple of months. I have undergone ultrasound, gastroscopy, and colonoscopy, and aside from gastroesophageal reflux and mild gastriti...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, when arranging advanced imaging health examinations, it is recommended to consider the patient's medical history and the purpose of the examination. For lung cancer screening, the best method currently is low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) of the lungs. For the gastr...[Read More] Understanding CT Scans for Abdominal Discomfort: What You Need to Know
Radiation Therapy Concerns for Pregnant Caregivers: Safety Guidelines
Radiation Issues Hello, Doctor: Currently, an elder in my family needs to undergo radiation therapy (radiotherapy), but only my pregnant wife, who is about four months along, can accompany them. I would like to inquire about the following issues regarding a pregnant woman accompa...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, radiation exposure occurs only in the "treatment" phase within the radiation therapy room. When the machine is not in operation, there is no residual radiation. If the equipment complies with the radiation equipment usage regulations set by the Atomic Energy Coun...[Read More] Radiation Therapy Concerns for Pregnant Caregivers: Safety Guidelines
Managing Pregnancy After Low-Dose Lung CT: Health and Fertility Tips
Low-Dose Computed Tomography of the Lungs and Pregnancy A young woman underwent a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan of the lungs before marriage and discovered a nodule. The doctor recommended low-dose follow-up scans every six months. How should she manage the issues relate...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, if you are pregnant, please discuss the necessity of the X-ray examination with your physician before the procedure, evaluate whether there are alternative examinations available, and take appropriate precautions. Generally, the radiation dose from a low-dose chest CT scan...[Read More] Managing Pregnancy After Low-Dose Lung CT: Health and Fertility Tips
Is Too Much Radiation from Multiple CT Scans Dangerous?
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan Hello, doctor. In the past few months, I have undergone an abdominal CT, a neck CT, a swallowing study, a barium swallow study, and several X-rays. Now, I have another brain CT scheduled. Is this too much radiation exposure?
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, the purpose of radiation-related examinations is to provide medical imaging information, ensuring that the medical benefits to the patient far outweigh the risks associated with radiation, following the principle of justification. There are no restrictions on the number, d...[Read More] Is Too Much Radiation from Multiple CT Scans Dangerous?
Assessing Radiation Exposure Risks from Repeated Imaging Exams in Taiwan
Risk assessment for repeated imaging examinations this year? Hello Doctor: When I was young, I frequently underwent full spine X-ray examinations due to scoliosis, approximately 40 times between the ages of 1 and 20. Two years ago and four years ago, I had surgery for sinusitis, ...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
According to information from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the radiation dose from a single head CT scan is approximately 2 millisieverts (mSv), while a single abdominal and pelvic CT scan has a radiation dose of about 14 mSv. A Gallium scan, which is a nucle...[Read More] Assessing Radiation Exposure Risks from Repeated Imaging Exams in Taiwan
Understanding MRI Contrast Injection and X-Ray Imaging Procedures
Regarding the issue of using MRI contrast agents under fluoroscopy X-ray imaging? Hello Director Wang, I had an MRI scheduled due to a wrist injury, which required the administration of a contrast agent. I was not aware that X-rays would also be taken before and after the inject...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, 1. The process of injecting contrast agents will be adjusted based on the specific examination being performed. What you described resembles the procedure for arthrography. Some physicians may arrange for arthrography before an MRI, injecting the contrast agent into the ...[Read More] Understanding MRI Contrast Injection and X-Ray Imaging Procedures
Understanding PET Scan Results: What Do Bright Spots Mean?
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Report Issues Hello Doctor, I have a sensation of a foreign body and sharp pain in my oral and pharyngeal walls, which becomes more pronounced when swallowing saliva. There is also sharp pain and a foreign body sensation near the left base of my...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, positron emission tomography (PET) is a specialty of nuclear medicine. The reports for PET scans are issued by board-certified nuclear medicine physicians. I recommend searching for "nuclear medicine" on the Taiwan e-Hospital platform and consulting a nuclear med...[Read More] Understanding PET Scan Results: What Do Bright Spots Mean?
Understanding Radiation Therapy Scope for Breast Cancer Treatment
The scope of electrotherapy? My younger sister was initially diagnosed with stage I breast cancer due to a tumor in her right breast. After tumor excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy, it was found that there was one tumor metastasis in the sentinel lymph node. During the surge...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, the treatment for breast cancer includes surgical intervention, medical therapy, and radiation therapy. The treatment approach may be adjusted based on the histopathological classification, the site of tumor invasion, and the consideration of the benefits and side effects ...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Therapy Scope for Breast Cancer Treatment
Does a Cervical MRI Also Examine Other Neck Organs?
Will the cervical spine MRI results also examine other organs? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask some questions regarding the MRI. Last month, I visited the hospital due to discomfort in my neck and consulted a neurosurgeon who ordered an MRI of my cervical spine to check for any...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, 1. The MRI imaging scan is set to focus on the cervical spine, utilizing a cervical spine coil. Other head and neck tissues may not be included in the scanning range, and the image signals may be affected by poor magnetic field quality in non-target areas, which can inte...[Read More] Does a Cervical MRI Also Examine Other Neck Organs?
Is It Safe to Undergo Multiple CT Scans in a Short Time?
CT scan interval issues I would like to ask about the interval between tests. I had a Myocardial Perfusion Scan on September 1, which is a nuclear medicine test, and then I had a whole-body CT scan on September 16. Should I avoid any X-rays or CT scans in the short term to minimi...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, the purpose of radiation-related examinations is to provide medical imaging information, assessing that the medical benefits to the patient far outweigh the risks associated with radiation, which justifies the procedure. There are no restrictions on the number, dosage, or ...[Read More] Is It Safe to Undergo Multiple CT Scans in a Short Time?
Understanding X-Ray Radiation Dose and Safety for Hip Joint Imaging
Calculation and Effects of X-ray Radiation Exposure Recently, I had four X-rays taken of my hip joint. There were two images with the leg straight (one for each side) and two images with the leg bent (one for each side). I would like to ask: 1. What is the approximate dose for ea...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
According to the information from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists website, the radiation dose for a hip joint X-ray is approximately 0.7 millisieverts, and for four images, it is about 2.8 millisieverts. Different angle images can provide more information to assi...[Read More] Understanding X-Ray Radiation Dose and Safety for Hip Joint Imaging
Understanding the Risks of X-Rays: Are They Really Dangerous?
Verification of reports regarding the harmful effects of X-rays on the body? I came across an online report stating, "Regular X-rays for early cancer detection? Doctors refute: It actually increases cancer risk." The article seems to discourage X-ray diagnostics and des...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, the purpose of radiation examinations is to provide medical imaging information, ensuring that the medical benefits to the patient far outweigh the risks associated with radiation exposure, in accordance with the principle of justification. Whether for health screenings or...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of X-Rays: Are They Really Dangerous?
Understanding Contrast Agent Side Effects: When to Seek Medical Attention
Side effects of contrast agents? Hello, I would like to inquire on behalf of my father. He had a CT scan at the hospital about three weeks ago, and now the blood vessel at the injection site (arm) feels hard and painful to the touch. It has been three weeks and there has been no ...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, the phenomenon you described will not occur in blood vessels that have been injected with iodine-based contrast agents. It is recommended that your father visit the original treating department, a cardiology clinic, or a family medicine clinic for further evaluation and ma...[Read More] Understanding Contrast Agent Side Effects: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding MRI Reports: Addressing Concerns About Lymph Nodes and Throat Symptoms
MRI Report Issues (Continued) Dr. Wang, thank you for your response. I have a few more questions I would like to ask you: 1. You mentioned that the report indicates bilateral non-specific lymph nodes in my neck. Why didn't my attending physician mention this, and why does t...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, if your symptoms have persisted for more than two months without improvement, it is advisable to consult a physician for a reevaluation. Please inform the doctor that your symptoms have not resolved as initially expected. The diagnostic accuracy of imaging studies can be i...[Read More] Understanding MRI Reports: Addressing Concerns About Lymph Nodes and Throat Symptoms
Understanding MRI Reports: Addressing Concerns in Throat and Neck Symptoms
MRI Report Issues Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a sensation of a foreign body and sharp pain in my oral and pharyngeal walls, as well as a similar sensation and pain in the mucosa next to the left base of my tongue. Additionally, I have had inflammatory symptoms with int...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, the imaging report you uploaded refers to the examination area of the head and neck, while the uploaded images focus on the area below the neck, specifically the thyroid gland. The MRI of the head and neck encompasses the nasopharynx to the area near the cervical thyroid. ...[Read More] Understanding MRI Reports: Addressing Concerns in Throat and Neck Symptoms
Can MRI Effectively Measure Lymph Node Size in Head and Neck Exams?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Follow-up Questions Thank you, doctor, for answering my questions. I would like to ask if an MRI of the head and neck can show the size of lymph nodes. Since I have a health check-up coming up, I thought that MRI, which does not involve radiation, mig...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, MRI is a valuable imaging assessment and monitoring tool, but it has some drawbacks such as long examination times, unsuitability for patients with claustrophobia, and poor image quality in agitated patients. In addition to MRI, ultrasound can also be considered as a non-r...[Read More] Can MRI Effectively Measure Lymph Node Size in Head and Neck Exams?
Understanding MRI and PET Scans for Lymph Node Evaluation
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Issues Hello Doctor, recently I had some swollen lymph nodes and underwent a PET scan. The nuclear medicine physician mentioned that there are faint uptakes in my nose and neck, but he believes they are likely benign. I understand that both inflam...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, the diagnosis of diseases requires relevant medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, imaging studies, or pathological examinations, with all related data being comprehensively assessed by a specialist physician. For certain diseases, even the highest qualit...[Read More] Understanding MRI and PET Scans for Lymph Node Evaluation
Understanding Radiation Exposure from Your Recent CT Scan: Risks and Measurements
CT Scan Report Radiation The CT report you received includes several measurements related to radiation exposure during your abdominal CT scan with contrast. The values provided are as follows: - CTDIvol (Computed Tomography Dose Index volume): 14.00 mGy (Body) - DLP (Dose Length...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, Professor Tsai Hui-Yu and colleagues have pointed out in their literature that the reference dose levels for computed tomography (CT) recommended in the EU report 16262 for general abdominal examinations have a DLP of 780 (mGy·cm). Your report shows a value of 449.2, which...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure from Your Recent CT Scan: Risks and Measurements
Understanding CT Scan Radiation Risks and Cancer Concerns
Computed Tomography Radiation I apologize for the concern regarding your mother's recent abdominal CT scan, which included imaging of the chest and the use of contrast agents. Given her family history of breast cancer with two sisters affected, you are understandably worried...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in our country. The peak incidence occurs in women aged 45-69. The National Health Service provides biennial mammography screenings for women aged 45-69 and for those aged 40-44 with a family history of breast cancer (def...[Read More] Understanding CT Scan Radiation Risks and Cancer Concerns