CT Scan: Is It Really Safe?

Abstract

Excerpts:

"It has often been said that there is no one more afraid of radiation than the radiologist. From Day 1 of residency training, radiologists-to-be are taught that excess radiation can cause cancer and a multitude of other medical conditions. After Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Chernobyl, history has shown that excess doses of radiation can cause cancer..."

"The Computed Tomography (CT) Scan machine was invented in 19724 and used commercially soon thereafter. Since then, there was an incredible leap in the practice of medicine. Head injuries and trauma cases became routinely evaluated using CT. In recent years, CT has become the standard in screening for paranasal sinus disease, lung disease and coronary artery disease.  Computed Tomography has become accessible and affordable. CT scan procedures are covered by health insurance in most First World countries..."

[However, there are important questions which need to be raised:] "How much radiation does a patient receive with each CT Scan procedure? Should we be alarmed by the amount of radiation that a patient receives with each CT  Scan procedure? Is the CT Scan really safe?"

Unfortunately, it is not that easy to answer these questions. It is not ethical to do a randomized control study on the effect of radiation on humans by intentionally irradiating them without any expected benefits. We have to content ourselves with data on radiation doses obtained in previous studies."

Read the complete article in the attached pdf...