The Impact of X-rays on Thyroid Health: Risks and Concerns Explained
The effects of X-rays on the thyroid gland? I would like to ask the doctor: I have had many chest X-rays due to examinations and work-related health checks (approximately more than ten in the past ten years), and I have also undergone about eight abdominal X-rays for kidney imagi...
Dr. Zhang Fudi reply Radiology
Chest X-rays and abdominal X-rays would need to be performed dozens of times to reach the annual background radiation level that an average person is exposed to. A cardiac nuclear scan does not contain radioactive iodine and does not pose a special risk to the thyroid gland. The ...[Read More] The Impact of X-rays on Thyroid Health: Risks and Concerns Explained
Impact of Repeated CT Scans on Toddler's Brain Development and Health Risks
Repeated CT scans of the brain in young children? My 2-year-and-7-month-old daughter had a car accident in mid-May, where her head hit the ground. She vomited once in the emergency room, and the doctor arranged for a CT scan of her head. She struggled a lot, so she ended up havin...
Dr. Zhang Fudi reply Radiology
Computed tomography (CT) can provide clearer and more accurate imaging diagnoses compared to traditional X-ray imaging. However, the downside is the higher radiation dose. In the case of your child, obtaining brain imaging requires the use of CT, which can differentiate soft tiss...[Read More] Impact of Repeated CT Scans on Toddler's Brain Development and Health Risks
Understanding the Risks of Multiple Dental X-Rays on Your Health
The harm of full-mouth dental radiography to the human body? Hello Dr. Chang! I recently had a dental issue and underwent a full-mouth X-ray at the clinic. After 4-5 days, I was referred to Taipei Medical University Hospital, where I had another full-mouth X-ray and 2-3 additiona...
Dr. Zhang Fudi reply Radiology
The path of X-rays travels in a straight line, and if the angle does not directly target the neck, the damage to the thyroid gland is minimal. After undergoing an X-ray, there is no need to consume specific foods or supplements to repair any damage, as there is unlikely to be any...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Multiple Dental X-Rays on Your Health
CT Scans and Their Impact on Male Fertility: What You Need to Know
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan Dear Dr. Chang, I had a consultation at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, where the doctor recommended a CT scan of my abdomen. The hospital has two types of CT scanners: (1) a 16-slice spiral CT scanner and (2) a single-slice spiral CT scanner...
Dr. Zhang Fudi reply Radiology
Hello Mr. Zhang: The X-ray dose exposure from the abdominal CT scan to the lower body is low, and its impact on sperm is limited. Additionally, the testes regenerate new sperm every 72 to 74 days. If you are concerned, you can consider storing sperm prior to the CT scan, or wait ...[Read More] CT Scans and Their Impact on Male Fertility: What You Need to Know
Understanding Low-Dose CT Scans: Safety and Frequency for Lung Health
Regarding 64-slice low-dose spiral computed tomography (CT)? Hello Dr. Chang: Due to long hours of work-related stress and having a smoking history of fifteen years, along with a family history of cancer, I undergo a health check-up every year. During these check-ups, I also pay ...
Dr. Zhang Fudi reply Radiology
Hello Mr. Liu: Due to your long history of smoking and a family history of cancer, you belong to a high-risk group for developing cancer. To reduce your cancer risk, the first priority is to quit smoking. Additionally, regular health check-ups can help in early detection and trea...[Read More] Understanding Low-Dose CT Scans: Safety and Frequency for Lung Health
Understanding Aortic Enlargement: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Thoracic aortic dilation? Hello Doctor: I recently had a physical examination, and the chest X-ray report indicated "enlargement of the aorta" and "slight prominence of the aortic root." I am unsure what this condition means and am concerned about its impact o...
Dr. Zhang Fudi reply Radiology
Hello: Since I have not seen your X-ray images in person, and online hospitals cannot make any diagnoses, I recommend that you visit the pulmonology outpatient department of the hospital for further interpretation and diagnosis of the X-ray, and discuss it with your attending phy...[Read More] Understanding Aortic Enlargement: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Understanding Chest X-Rays for Medical Examinations: What You Need to Know
Chest X-ray for health examination? Hello, I would like to ask about chest X-rays. Recently, I was fortunate enough to pass the railway special examination, and I need to undergo a medical examination at the hospital. One of the tests is a chest X-ray for tuberculosis, with optio...
Dr. Zhang Fudi reply Radiology
Hello LYL: First of all, congratulations on passing the railway special examination! In fact, the common cold is classified as an upper respiratory tract infection and does not affect the interpretation of chest X-rays. Even if there are some findings, they are not the same as th...[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Rays for Medical Examinations: What You Need to Know
Understanding Radiation Safety in Dental Procedures: Key Questions Answered
Thank you, Dr. Chang, for your response? Thank you, Dr. Chang, for your response. I apologize for having a few more questions to ask you: 1. Regarding the neck protection mentioned in <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/38085">#38085</a>, is it common prac...
Dr. Zhang Fudi reply Radiology
Hello John: Since I am not a dentist, I recommend discussing this part with your dentist. However, I believe that appropriate X-rays can assist the dentist in making more accurate medical judgments. If the number of X-rays taken is not excessive, there should generally be no need...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Safety in Dental Procedures: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Dental X-Rays: Risks, Safety, and Alternatives
Regarding dental X-rays? Hello Dr. Chang, I would like to ask you about the recent report regarding a study from the UK that suggests patients who undergo dental X-rays more than ten times have a significantly higher risk of developing thyroid cancer compared to the general pop...
Dr. Zhang Fudi reply Radiology
Hello John: The thyroid gland is located in the center of the neck, in front of the trachea, and is considered a relatively superficial organ. Additionally, the thyroid is more sensitive to radiation compared to other tissues in the body. If dental treatment requires multiple X-r...[Read More] Understanding Dental X-Rays: Risks, Safety, and Alternatives
Concerns About X-Rays for Young Children: Safety and Radiation Exposure
Concerns About X-rays for Young Children Dear Dr. Chang, I apologize for my deep concerns, which have led to a lengthy message. My child is six years old and had an emergency visit six months ago due to acute asthma. The emergency physician requested an X-ray, so my child underw...
Dr. Zhang Fudi reply Radiology
Hello Betty: Currently, due to advancements in X-ray technology, the radiation dose from a simple X-ray is very low. The effective equivalent dose for a chest X-ray is only 0.02-0.06 millisieverts, which is extremely low compared to natural background radiation. When taking denta...[Read More] Concerns About X-Rays for Young Children: Safety and Radiation Exposure
Understanding Radiation Exposure: X-Ray Risks and Safety Concerns
Issues related to X-rays? Dr. Chang: Thank you very much for your prompt response; I really appreciate it! However, I still have some questions I would like to ask you. The natural background radiation is about 2.0 millisieverts per year, but a single abdominal X-ray is 0.54 mill...
Dr. Zhang Fudi reply Radiology
Hello Betty: The fundamental concept of radiation protection is "as low as reasonably achievable" (ALARA), which means that if exposure to X-rays is not necessary, it should be minimized. However, medical needs often dictate the necessity of such exposure based on the p...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure: X-Ray Risks and Safety Concerns
Concerns About Radiation Exposure from I-131 Treatment for Thyroid Issues
The thyroid gland? I apologize for the inconvenience, but I would like to ask a question. I am currently undergoing treatment for hyperthyroidism with radioactive iodine (I-131). My mother was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer five years ago, but her condition is well-control...
Dr. Zhang Fudi reply Radiology
The oral administration of iodine-131 has minimal impact on those around the patient after absorption by the body. There are no restrictions on contact with others; however, it is still recommended to avoid close proximity to pregnant women, individuals under 18 years of age, and...[Read More] Concerns About Radiation Exposure from I-131 Treatment for Thyroid Issues
Is Cerebral Angiography Safe? Understanding Risks and Side Effects
Cerebral Angiography Hello, doctor. I need to undergo a cerebral angiography. Is it safe? Are there any potential side effects? Thank you.
Dr. Zhang Fudi reply Radiology
Dear Mr. Wang: Cerebral angiography is an invasive procedure that carries certain risks, including allergic reactions to the contrast agent, which in severe cases can lead to shock; or complications such as vasospasm or thrombosis that may result in a stroke, tissue ischemia, o...[Read More] Is Cerebral Angiography Safe? Understanding Risks and Side Effects
CT vs. MRI: Key Differences and When to Use Each for Health Checks
Computed Tomography (CT) & Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Dr. Chang, I would like to ask you a few questions: 1. What are the differences in functionality between Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)? Which areas or conditions are more suitable fo...
Dr. Zhang Fudi reply Radiology
Hello Rich: Computed tomography (CT) uses X-rays, which raises concerns about radiation exposure. On the other hand, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides better resolution for soft tissues and does not involve radiation, making it primarily used for examinations of the brain...[Read More] CT vs. MRI: Key Differences and When to Use Each for Health Checks
Understanding Radiation Exposure from Myocardial Perfusion Scans
Myocardial perfusion imaging Doctor, I just had a myocardial perfusion scan, and I found online that the radiation dose from a single scan can be as high as 21 millisieverts. Is that true? Isn't that terrifyingly high? A single chest X-ray is only about 0.02 millisieverts, s...
Dr. Zhang Fudi reply Radiology
Hello Johnny: Myocardial perfusion imaging is a commonly used tool by clinicians to assess coronary artery function. It is a routine, safe, and accurate examination. The dose of Thallium-201 received by the patient is very small, with almost no impact on the body, typically aroun...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure from Myocardial Perfusion Scans
Impact of X-rays on Fertility: What You Need to Know Before Pregnancy
X-rays and Pregnancy Hello doctor, I had a chest X-ray today (without a lead apron for the abdomen). If I am planning to get pregnant, will the X-ray negatively affect the sperm? How long should I wait before trying to conceive? Thank you.
Dr. Zhang Fudi reply Radiology
Hello Mr. Mu: Germ cells are very sensitive to X-rays. If their DNA is damaged, they will mostly undergo natural apoptosis. Generally, the lifespan of sperm is about 70 hours (approximately three days). If you are concerned, please wait at least three days, as new sperm will be p...[Read More] Impact of X-rays on Fertility: What You Need to Know Before Pregnancy
Understanding PET Scans: Availability, Process, and Costs
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Does this hospital offer positron emission tomography (PET) scans? If so, could you please provide information on the examination process and the associated costs? Thank you!
Dr. Zhang Fudi reply Radiology
Hello: Our hospital does not have positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Thank you! Hsinchu Hospital wishes you health and safety![Read More] Understanding PET Scans: Availability, Process, and Costs
Do You Need Contrast for a Brain CT Scan? Costs and Consent Explained
Regarding brain computed tomography (CT)? Do I need to inject a contrast agent for a brain CT scan? Is it possible to do it without the injection? How much would it cost if I pay out of pocket? If I don't use the injection, do I still need to sign a waiver? Thank you, doctor...
Dr. Zhang Fudi reply Radiology
Hello: 1. The injection of contrast agents can assist physicians in interpreting images and improve diagnostic accuracy. It is generally recommended that the examinee be able to receive the injection, unless there are other contraindications or indications for non-administration....[Read More] Do You Need Contrast for a Brain CT Scan? Costs and Consent Explained
Can I Get an MRI While Undergoing Dental Braces After Brain Tumor?
About MRI Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my situation. I had a malignant brain tumor five years ago, and it has not recurred. I am currently considering orthodontic treatment, but I need to undergo regular brain MRIs. Can I have orthodontic treatment while still being a...
Dr. Zhang Fudi reply Radiology
Hello Mr. Johnny: If you undergo orthodontic treatment that does not involve the implantation or placement of metallic braces, it is generally unrelated to MRI. Only metallic materials are affected by the magnetic field of an MRI. Additionally, since metal dentures are fixed to t...[Read More] Can I Get an MRI While Undergoing Dental Braces After Brain Tumor?
Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Nuclear Cardiac Scans
Nuclear Medicine Cardiac Scintigraphy Thank you, doctor, for your detailed response. During today's follow-up visit, the cardiologist not only performed a chest X-ray but also arranged for a nuclear medicine cardiac scan, which seems to require drinking a thallium-201 contra...
Dr. Zhang Fudi reply Radiology
Dear Mr. Hsiao-Hung, Myocardial perfusion imaging is a diagnostic test that utilizes a very small amount of radioactive tracer, commonly thallium-201, to assess blood flow to the heart muscle. Once thallium-201 is injected into the bloodstream, it travels through the coronary ar...[Read More] Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Nuclear Cardiac Scans