5 ct scans in one day.

[roland1010]

Hello, recently back in april i had to take a liver biopsy test and they used ct scanning to guide their work. It wasnt until today that I realized they scanned me 5 times, 3 at the lowest dose possible for a good picture (about 7 mSvs each) and 2 at about 2 - 3 mSvs each totaling about 28 mSvs in one day. Is that a huge risk for me? Im only 30 years old and would like not to die to cancer especially if i can avoid it.

[fntn]

Agreed. I wish our doctors were a bit more informative at the onset. They assume that we not up to the task or may "freak out", maybe in some cases, but certainly not in many others. I found out,after my first liver biopsy that by doing it, a liver transplant was no longer an option ... in my case ... need to know information for sure.

[fntn]

It also depends on the circumstances as well. I've have two different CT liver biopsy sessions, with many scans on each. But my discussions with the doctors pointed to no other options. US was not able to be used, given my multiple tumor locations. So there was simply no other options.

[TheLightSeeker]

I am of the opinion that most doctors/radiologists should try to use a preliminary ultrasound  to plan the best way to perform the biopsy, thus avoiding the need to do unnecessary additional CT scans.
I guess, time constraints and other circumstances dictate
how they go about it, however, it would be nice to advise the patient before the procedure takes place, of multiple scanning, if deemed necessary.
Cheers,
Niko

[TheLightSeeker]

You can use the Online Radiation Risk Calculator. Very simple!

You were asked to sign a consent form prior to the CT scan, right?
I don't think the form stated anything about getting 5 scans!

If I were you I would demand an explanation!

Incompetence? Negligence? Hmm.

Best wishes,
Niko