Radiation Exposure

I have been having abdominal pain since January along with weight loss and no one can figure out what is quite wrong.  In the past 6 months here are all the tests that I have had done.
Jan 2007   Chest X-ray
Mar 2007   Upper GI Series and CT scan with contrast of abdomen and pelvis
May 2007  CT scan of head in ER
June 2007  Radiation given for Thyroid Cancer (100mci) followed with I-131 body scan
July 2007  2nd Chest X-ray with 2nd CT scan of abdomen and pelvis
July 2007  Upper Endoscopy EGD

They do not want to perform another colonoscopy because I had one done in Jan of 2006 and it was clear and I am only 29.

I am now starting to worry because of all the tests I have been going through and the exposure to radiation.  How much radiaiton is too much?  I am scared that with all the tests that they have been performing my chances of getting cancer from exposure are greater?  Please offer your expertise in this area.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Every CT scan will very slightly increase the risk of cancer due to exposure to radiation.  There is no specific threshold that is 'too much', and the risk of radiation must be weighed against the benefits of the test.  

I would discuss this specific question with your personal physician - and express your concern about the radiation exposure.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_