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CT scan radiation worries

Hi all,

I have a particular worry and hoped you could provide some rational advice as doctors/radiologists/experts/fellow worriers, and it will stop me scouring the internet for all sorts of answers.

I had a CT scan of my head done in 2006 (when I was 31), and another in 2009 (when I was 35) - both were needless in hindsight. Late last year, some reports came out about the risk of radiation-induced cancer being higher than originally thought. This, of course, has set off a fixation chain of events in my mind, and at times I'm convinced that I've done myself irreparable damage and am doomed to have a horrible cancer as a result.

Anyway, could you possibly give me an idea of the dose of radiation I would've received and an idea of the *actual* risk?

I'm just after some peace of mind.

Thanks,

Jamie
2 Responses
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1563571 tn?1295121439
Lets hope we will be ok, do all you can to limit your cancer risk by doing the obvious: diet, stress reduction, exercise, no unhealthy habits etc.
I have same worry and concern as you do! No radiation level is safe.
Check this out and don't ever have another CT unless you ABSOLUTELY have to save your life. MRI is an option, and so are sonogram, ultrasound.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126082398582691047.html
Helpful - 0
144586 tn?1284666164
There isa no way to answer that question because the radiation is dependent upon the machine and the technique. Plus there is variability, depending on the machine itself, the year and model, and the calibration.

Though I am not a fan of the CT and feel it is used unnecessarily when an MRI/MRA would be more approriate, I would not be overly concerned.

The body repairs damage.

No x-ray radiation is good for a person, but at times there is a reasonable benefit vs. a risk.
Helpful - 0
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