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:
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
Is Frequent CT Scanning After Liver Cancer Surgery Safe?
Excessive number of CT scans for liver cancer? Hello, doctor! My family member underwent surgery for liver cancer and has been scheduled for a CT scan every three months. Recently, due to fluctuating levels of alpha-fetoprotein, they have had two CT scans within a short period of...
Dr. Sun Shengyi Reply:
Hello: Generally, cancer patients undergo a CT scan two to three months after treatment to monitor for potential recurrence. This early detection allows for prompt intervention, alleviating concerns about excessive radiation exposure. Patients should prioritize monitoring for can...[Read More] Is Frequent CT Scanning After Liver Cancer Surgery Safe?
Managing Low-Dose CT Scans During Early Pregnancy: What to Know
Low-dose computed tomography for pregnant women? Hello, doctor. My wife's last menstrual period was on October 5th, and we had a health check-up scheduled for November 4th, which included a low-dose lung CT scan. After the health check-up in early November, we discovered tha...
Dr. Sun Shengyi Reply:
Hello Mr. Su: In early pregnancy, it is indeed important to minimize radiation exposure for the safety of the fetus. According to currently accepted international standards, a radiation dose below 50 mSv (millisieverts) is not expected to cause harm to the fetus. The radiation do...[Read More] Managing Low-Dose CT Scans During Early Pregnancy: What to Know
Understanding Radiation Exposure During CT Scans for Lipomas
Radiation Issues Hello Dr. Sun: Recently, I noticed a small bump near my shoulder, and a dermatologist diagnosed it as a lipoma. I was referred to a plastic surgeon, who recommended a CT scan. During the scan, I was instructed to inhale, hold my breath, and then exhale. I would l...
Dr. Sun Shengyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Peng: During chest or abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans, it is standard practice to ask patients to hold their breath to avoid any motion artifacts caused by breathing, which can lead to blurred images. Even slight movements of the shoulders due to breathing can...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure During CT Scans for Lipomas
Concerns About CT Scans in Young Children: Risks and Safety Explained
A one-year and two-month-old baby underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan? Dear Doctor, my baby is one year and two months old and fell from the bed. He did not lose consciousness. However, after a CT scan of the head, I learned that it is a radiation examination, which makes m...
Dr. Sun Shengyi Reply:
It is acceptable for a baby who has hit their head and is experiencing altered consciousness to undergo a head CT scan. The radiation dose from a head CT scan for infants is typically less than half that of adults, estimated to be around 1.0 millisievert (mSv), which is lower tha...[Read More] Concerns About CT Scans in Young Children: Risks and Safety Explained
Concerns About Radiation Exposure from X-rays and CT Scans
Radiation issues Hello, Doctor. I would like to express my apologies to the staff at Taiwan e-Hospital. I am very sorry for asking a similar question before, but due to my tendencies towards depression and anxiety, I still feel uneasy. If I still feel worried after this inquiry, ...
Dr. Sun Shengyi Reply:
Significant exposure to X-ray radiation can potentially cause changes in the bones, but it will not lead to further development of fully matured bones. Receiving over twenty X-ray exposures will not result in continued bone development, so there is no need for further concern reg...[Read More] Concerns About Radiation Exposure from X-rays and CT Scans
Is Frequent Chest X-Ray Safe? Understanding Risks and Concerns
X-ray and CT issues? Hello, Doctor: This year, I have frequently experienced chest pain, which has led me to visit the hospital often. I have undergone approximately 10 chest X-rays within a year, but each time the results have shown nothing significant. A month ago, I also had a...
Dr. Sun Shengyi Reply:
A standard chest X-ray is a low-radiation examination that is widely accepted and effective for diagnosing pulmonary conditions, with a radiation dose of approximately 0.02 millisieverts (mSv). In contrast, the radiation dose from a computed tomography (CT) scan is significantly ...[Read More] Is Frequent Chest X-Ray Safe? Understanding Risks and Concerns
Does Taking Accutane Affect Your Body During a CT Scan?
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan Will undergoing a CT scan affect my body since I have recently taken isotretinoin (Accutane)?
Dr. Sun Shengyi Reply:
Hello, Wen: The ultraviolet radiation associated with retinoic acid is different from the X-ray radiation from a CT scan, so undergoing a CT scan will not have any additional effects on the body due to the use of retinoic acid.[Read More] Does Taking Accutane Affect Your Body During a CT Scan?
Understanding Radiation Risks: Pregnancy, MRI, and Leukemia Concerns
Radiation issues in examinations? Hello Dr. Sun, my sister-in-law had leukemia when she was young, and I am concerned about the potential hereditary risk. I am worried that radiation may increase the likelihood of my child developing leukemia. I have the following questions for y...
Dr. Sun Shengyi Reply:
Hello: 1. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is safe for both pregnant women and fetuses, and it does not increase the risk of leukemia in the unborn child. 2. The radiation dose from low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans of the lungs is not sufficient to harm the ova; it is advi...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Risks: Pregnancy, MRI, and Leukemia 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:
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
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:
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
CT Scans During Early Pregnancy: Risks and Considerations
Abdominal CT scan during pregnancy? Dear Dr. Sun, I recently underwent a health check-up and, unbeknownst to me that I might be pregnant (six days after intercourse), the physician performed an abdominal ultrasound and suspected a renal tumor. They recommended a contrast-enhance...
Dr. Sun Shengyi Reply:
Abdominal ultrasound revealed a suspected renal tumor, and the next step in diagnosis is a contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan, which is the first choice for further evaluation. The urinary system examination should include both the abdomen and the pelvic ca...[Read More] CT Scans During Early Pregnancy: Risks and Considerations
Optimal Interval Between CT Scans: How Long Should You Wait?
The recommended interval between computed tomography (CT) scans of different body parts should ideally be at least several weeks to months, depending on the clinical situation and the specific areas being scanned. This is to minimize radiation exposure and ensure that the benefit...
Dr. Yang Jinghua Reply:
Dear Xiao Mei, Regarding the imaging examinations you mentioned during the specified period, the potential increase in cancer risk for adults is far lower than the environmental risks faced by the general population, and it cannot be proven to be related to subsequent diseases. ...[Read More] Optimal Interval Between CT Scans: How Long Should You Wait?
Understanding the Risks of Multiple CT Scans: A Patient's Guide
Abdominal Computed Tomography (CT) Scan I have undergone several examinations in the past two years. Last October, I had a CT scan from the head and neck to the upper chest on two consecutive days. The reason for the two days was that the doctor felt the initial scan did not capt...
Dr. Yang Jinghua Reply:
Dear Xiao Chen, Regarding the imaging examinations you mentioned during the specified period, positron emission tomography (PET) has the highest radiation dose. For adults, the potential increase in cancer risk is significantly lower than the general environmental risk and canno...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Multiple CT Scans: A Patient's Guide
Concerns About Radiation Exposure from CT Scans and X-rays
Concern about excessive radiation exposure? Hello Dr. Yang, I was hospitalized on April 5th due to a pneumothorax (the physician suspected I had a malignant tumor, but it turned out to be a misunderstanding...). On that day, the doctor arranged for a computed tomography (CT) scan...
Dr. Yang Jinghua Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, First of all, I would like to congratulate you on your health and well-being. Regarding the various examinations arranged for your pneumothorax treatment, please refer to the attached document (the relative radiation dose table from the Atomic Energy Commission)....[Read More] Concerns About Radiation Exposure from CT Scans and X-rays
Understanding MRI Contrast Agents: Safety and Kidney Health Concerns
Regarding magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents? Dear Dr. Sun, I have two questions to ask you: 1. I have scheduled MRI scans for both my head and mediastinum, and both require the use of contrast agents. How long should I wait between the two scans to avoid putting ...
Dr. Sun Shengyi Reply:
MRI contrast agents pose minimal burden on normally functioning kidneys, except for unexpected and very rare allergic reactions. For safety reasons, repeated injections should be avoided to prevent excessive dosage. There is no specific safety standard for the interval between in...[Read More] Understanding MRI Contrast Agents: Safety and Kidney Health Concerns
Understanding Radiation Exposure from Head and Neck CT Scans and Cardiac Procedures
Does radiation dose to the head and neck cause harm to the body? 1. The radiation dose from a head and neck CT scan and cardiac catheterization with ablation (for tachycardia) within a year may pose some risk, but the extent of harm depends on the cumulative dose and individual s...
Dr. Sun Shengyi Reply:
The radiation dose from a single head and neck computed tomography (CT) scan is approximately 6 mSv (millisieverts). The scanning range and settings may vary depending on the focus of the examination. Regarding cardiac catheterization with radiofrequency ablation, the radiation e...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure from Head and Neck CT Scans and Cardiac Procedures
Understanding Radiation Dose in Chest CT Scans: A Patient's Guide
Chest CT Radiation Dose Report Dear Dr. Sun, Thank you very much for your previous response regarding the dose report for my chest CT scan with contrast. The dose report is as follows: Dose Report Series Type Scan Range (mm) CTDlvol (mGy) DLP (mGy-cm) 1 Scout 59....
Dr. Sun Shengyi Reply:
According to the latest standards set by the International Commission on Radiological Protection, the conversion factor for chest computed tomography (CT) is 0.0145. Therefore, 511.82 (DLP) x 0.0145 = 7.42 mSv (millisieverts). This is slightly lower than the average exposure dose...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Dose in Chest CT Scans: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Radiation Dose in Chest CT Scans: What You Need to Know
Radiation Dose of Chest Computed Tomography (CT) Scan Hello Dr. Sun, I recently underwent a high-dose chest CT scan (with contrast injection), and the results showed no issues with my lungs. After the examination, I researched online and learned that this type of scan can be harm...
Dr. Sun Shengyi Reply:
Chest computed tomography (CT) scans have different scanning parameters based on clinical needs, including low-dose scans for tumor screening and standard scans (with or without contrast agent injection). The radiation dose for a standard chest CT scan with contrast may range fro...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Dose in Chest CT Scans: What You Need to Know
Is Your Radiation Exposure Too High? Understanding Imaging Risks
Is the radiation level too high? Hello Doctor, in April 2016, I had a chest X-ray as part of my health check-up. In October 2016, due to issues with my head and neck, I underwent a CT scan of the head and neck with contrast. The next day, the doctor mentioned that the images were...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
In general, the radiation doses from chest X-rays, low-dose CT scans of the lungs, and bone density X-rays are quite low. However, if multiple CT scans are required, it is advisable to discuss the necessity of the examinations with your physician beforehand.[Read More] Is Your Radiation Exposure Too High? Understanding Imaging Risks