Understanding the Impact of X-rays and MRI on Your Health
I underwent an X-ray due to discomfort in my chest, neck, and lower back? I had a lateral and oblique X-ray of the neck, approximately four chest X-rays, about two lateral X-rays of the lumbar region, totaling eight X-rays, along with an MRI of the brain. I would like to know if ...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, the examinations you mentioned are reasonable and safe. The purpose of imaging studies is to assist physicians in diagnosing and identifying the underlying causes of illness, so that appropriate interventions can be made to help patients recover their health as soon as pos...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of X-rays and MRI on Your Health
Understanding Radiation Exposure from Lumbar and Thoracic X-rays
Radiation Concerns with Lumbar Spine X-rays Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the lumbar spine X-ray. Is the 1.5 millisieverts the total for both the frontal and lateral views combined, or is it 1.5 for just one view? I found some sources stating that it could be 1.5 for o...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists states that the radiation dose for a chest X-ray (both frontal and lateral views) is approximately 0.1 millisieverts. The radiation dose for the upper back is about 1 millisievert, while for the lower back it is approximatel...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure from Lumbar and Thoracic X-rays
Understanding the Risks of Abdominal CT vs. IVP for Fertility
Abdominal CT (Computed Tomography) Doctor, I had a urinalysis that showed occult blood, so I went to the urology department for further examination. I underwent kidney and bladder ultrasound and abdominal X-ray, but no abnormalities were found. I initially wanted the doctor to ar...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello: According to the data from the American Radiologic Technologists website, the radiation dose from a single abdominal CT scan is approximately 8 millisieverts, while the radiation dose from intravenous pyelography (IVP) is about 3 millisieverts. The International Commission...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Abdominal CT vs. IVP for Fertility
Understanding CT Scans: Radiation Risks and Interpretation Guidelines
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan Recently, I underwent an abdominal CT scan and multiple X-ray examinations due to my medical condition. I am also planning to have a health check-up soon, which includes a lung CT scan. I would like to ask the director: 1. Is it safe to have more tha...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, 1. According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the radiation dose for a single CT scan of the abdomen (including the pelvic cavity) is approximately 14 millisieverts. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) report 103 states that...[Read More] Understanding CT Scans: Radiation Risks and Interpretation Guidelines
Understanding Pain After TMJ MRI Contrast Injection: Is It Normal?
TMJ MRI contrast agent Hello, doctor. Recently, I went to the hospital for an examination due to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. It has been four days, and the area where the contrast agent was injected still hurts, especially when I open my mouth. Is this normal? I ha...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, based on your description, if you experience persistent pain at the injection site after the examination and there is no improvement, it is recommended to return to the original hospital for evaluation. A physician should perform a physical examination or discuss the exami...[Read More] Understanding Pain After TMJ MRI Contrast Injection: Is It Normal?
Can You Get a Chest X-Ray with Metal Braces? Understanding the Risks and Effects
Taking a chest X-ray with metal dental braces? Can I have a chest X-ray while wearing metal braces? I am reminded to remove metal jewelry every time I have an X-ray, which makes me feel like wearing metal jewelry poses a life-threatening risk. However, it seems like the concern i...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, any removable metallic foreign objects within the X-ray exposure area should be removed in advance to avoid interference with the imaging and affecting the physician's diagnosis. X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation, and only excessive exposure poses risks. The rad...[Read More] Can You Get a Chest X-Ray with Metal Braces? Understanding the Risks and Effects
Optimal Waiting Time for Bone Scans: Impact on Image Quality and Results
Waiting time for a bone scan? 1. After the injection of Tc-99m MDP, the optimal waiting time for imaging is typically around 3-5 hours to ensure the best quality of the scan. However, some facilities may suggest waiting for at least 2-3 hours for adequate imaging quality. 2. If ...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello: According to Dr. Hong Guang-wei, the Deputy Director of the Department of Nuclear Medicine at Chang Bin Show Chwan Hospital, the scanning time is generally 3 to 4 hours after the injection. However, scanning slightly earlier does not have a significant impact, as long as t...[Read More] Optimal Waiting Time for Bone Scans: Impact on Image Quality and Results
Does Dental X-Ray Radiation Leave Residual Effects on the Body or Metal?
Dental X-ray radiation does not remain in the body or in metal objects? Hello, doctor! I would like to inquire about the radiation issue related to dental X-rays. If I have had X-rays taken two to four times in one week, will there be any residual radiation in my body? (I'm ...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello: X-ray radiation is invisible, odorless, and intangible; it is a form of energy. It travels through the air at a speed comparable to that of light. Whether the human body undergoes an X-ray examination or objects are exposed to standard X-ray radiation, this energy penetrat...[Read More] Does Dental X-Ray Radiation Leave Residual Effects on the Body or Metal?
Understanding Radiation Risks: Should You Worry About Your Exposure?
Radiation issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask: my total radiation exposure is 36.2 millisieverts, and the additional cancer risk is approximately 0.5%. Does this mean that my likelihood of developing cancer is significantly increased? I have been constantly thinking about t...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello: According to the report in the 115th issue of Health Magazine, lifestyle is closely related to the occurrence of cancer, with very few cancers having a genetic association. The American Institute for Cancer Research published "Stopping Cancer Before It Starts," w...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Risks: Should You Worry About Your Exposure?
Concerns About X-Ray Radiation Exposure in Young Children
X-ray Radiation Issues in Infants and Young Children Hello, Doctor. My daughter is currently 1 year and 3 months old. On April 26, she had a fever for no apparent reason, which fluctuated over the holiday. We went to the emergency room, where the doctor performed a chest X-ray, a...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello: 1. Regarding the risks of X-ray radiation in infants and young children: The radiation dose from a chest X-ray is approximately 0.02 millisieverts. According to the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) report 103, doses below 100 millisieverts (whet...[Read More] Concerns About X-Ray Radiation Exposure in Young Children
Comparing Accuracy: CT Scan vs. Ultrasound for Salivary Gland Tumors
Computed Tomography and Ultrasound Hello Dr. Wang: Previously, I visited the otolaryngology department at a medical center due to a lump under my right ear. The physician performed an ultrasound examination and diagnosed it as a 0.9 x 0.6 cm salivary gland tumor, recommending fol...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello: Imaging examinations such as CT and ultrasound are non-invasive tests. Their diagnostic accuracy can be influenced by factors such as the nature of the disease (e.g., location, size, tumor characteristics), patient cooperation, body habitus, and the conditions during scann...[Read More] Comparing Accuracy: CT Scan vs. Ultrasound for Salivary Gland Tumors
Impact of Multiple CT Scans and X-rays on Radiation Exposure and Health
Hello, I would like to inquire about the effects of multiple computed tomography (CT) scans in a short period of time on the body? Hello Dr. Wang, I have a few questions to ask you. I had a chest X-ray at the beginning of January, a CT scan of the abdomen (with contrast) in mid-F...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello Mr. Zhang, 1. According to the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) report 103, doses below 100 millisieverts (mSv), whether single or multiple exposures, do not cause clinical functional impairment. The radiation doses from the examinations you ment...[Read More] Impact of Multiple CT Scans and X-rays on Radiation Exposure and Health
Understanding Radiation Concerns: When to Seek Medical Advice
Radiation issues Thank you, doctor, for your prompt response and well wishes. I have another question: Recently, I have been experiencing a tingling sensation in my face, and I am wondering if it could be caused by radiation exposure. Which specialty should I consult for this iss...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, for facial tingling, it is recommended to consult a family medicine physician or a dermatologist, who can assess the possible causes based on your condition. According to the American College of Radiology, the radiation dose from a full-body CT scan is approximately 21 mil...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Concerns: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Radiation Exposure: Should You Be Concerned?
Radiation issues Thank you for your response, Doctor. I apologize for my health anxiety and overthinking. I don't quite understand what you mean, so should I be concerned about my current radiation exposure of 36.2 millisieverts? What should I be paying attention to? Should ...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello Ms. Pan, the radiation dose is estimated based on data provided by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists at https://www.xrayrisk.com/calculator/calculator-normal-studies.php?id=23, which indicates that the exposure from an abdominal CT scan including the pelvic r...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Radiation Exposure: Concerns for Patients with Multiple Imaging Tests
Radiation issues Hello doctor, I am a health anxiety patient. Due to autonomic nervous system dysregulation, I have undergone the following examinations in 2018, 2019, and this year: one head computed tomography (CT), one head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), approximately 18 ch...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
According to the data from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the radiation dose for a 30-year-old female undergoing a head CT scan (1 time) is approximately 2 millisieverts (mSv), for a chest X-ray (about 18 times) it is approximately 1.8 mSv, for a cardiac CT (1 ...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure: Concerns for Patients with Multiple Imaging Tests
Understanding Radiation Risks from Catheter Ablation and CT Scans
Issues Related to Radiation from Catheter Ablation for Arrhythmias 1. Hello Doctor, when I was 19 years old, I underwent catheter ablation for arrhythmia (not 3D mapping). The ablation procedure lasted about two and a half hours. I'm concerned about the radiation exposure an...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, 1. According to the data from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the radiation dose for a 19-year-old male undergoing a single cardiac catheterization with ablation is approximately 15 millisieverts, with an additional cancer risk of about 0.2%. The Intern...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Risks from Catheter Ablation and CT Scans
Understanding Radiation Exposure: Addressing Patient Concerns in Imaging
Radiation Issues Thank you for your response, Doctor. I have been experiencing health anxiety along with autonomic nervous system dysregulation, and I have visited outpatient clinics multiple times over the past three years. In 2018 and 2019, I underwent the following examination...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello Ms. Pan, according to the information from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the radiation dose from three chest X-rays (anterior-posterior and lateral views) for a 30-year-old female is approximately 0.3 millisieverts, while a cardiac CT scan (one time) has...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure: Addressing Patient Concerns in Imaging
Understanding Full Spine MRI: Diagnosing Disc Issues and Soft Tissue Problems
Spinal MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about undergoing an MRI of the entire spine. Besides identifying issues such as herniated discs, can it also detect problems with bones or soft tissues (like muscles or ligaments)? What information can the...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, the advantages of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) include the complete absence of ionizing radiation risk and excellent imaging resolution for structures such as the spine, nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and soft tissues of the organs. The disadvantages include l...[Read More] Understanding Full Spine MRI: Diagnosing Disc Issues and Soft Tissue Problems
How to Handle Accidental Ingestion of Plastic Objects in the Airways
Ingestion of plastic foreign bodies? Hello Dr. Wang, if a plastic foreign object is accidentally ingested and enters the respiratory tract, what should be done? Multiple chest X-rays have shown normal lung findings.
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello Ms. Chang, if the individual who ingested the plastic foreign object has no abnormalities in the structure and function of the neck organs (trachea, esophagus), the ingested plastic will enter the esophagus and subsequently be expelled through the gastrointestinal tract in ...[Read More] How to Handle Accidental Ingestion of Plastic Objects in the Airways
Understanding X-Ray Exposure: Safety Concerns and Frequency Guidelines
X-ray dosage Hello Doctor, I am concerned about the radiation exposure from X-rays. Since the car accident on November 22, 2019, I have undergone a CT scan of my head once (on November 22) and five X-rays of my clavicle (approximately every 3-4 weeks). I had an X-ray of my clavi...
Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello Mr. Li, 1. X-rays are diagnostic tools used to monitor changes in diseases. When a physician assesses the patient's condition and determines the need, an X-ray examination can be arranged. The tests you mentioned are considered reasonable. 2. Regarding the question ...[Read More] Understanding X-Ray Exposure: Safety Concerns and Frequency Guidelines