A computed tomography scan, also known as a CT scan is often prescribed by doctors for many reasons. The scan is used for multitudes of reasons. It can help detect issues in your body, plan a surgery or check effectiveness of a treatment plan. With the help of powerful X-rays, it creates very detailed images of the insides of your body. Since the test uses quite strong radiations, people often worry about the risk of developing cancer from it. While there are things to be aware of, the risk of radiation exposure related cancer is quite low. CT scans are generally worth the risks associated with radiation exposure due to its multiple benefits. It can help spot dangerous health issues before it is too late and find the treatment that works. Schedule your appointment at Radiology Center at Harding in Morristown, New Jersey to get a CT scan.
How much radiation am I going to be exposed to?
Computed tomography scans use X-rays or ionizing radiations. These can cause damage to the DNA of your cells and can increase risk of developing cancerous cells. They generally expose you to more radiation than other types of imaging tests like mammograms and X-rays. One chest CT scan can deliver as much radiation as 100-200 X-Rays. Though that may seem like an enormous amount of radiation, it is actually not so.
We are exposed to ionizing radiations on a daily basis from naturally occurring radioactive elements in our environment. On an average, people get about 3millisieverts(mSv) from the environment. Each CT scan delivers radiation between the range of 1-10mSv depending on the part of your body. While a low dose CT scan is around 1.5mSv, a regular dose is around 7mSv. With increasing dosages of radiation, you get more radiation exposure. However, if your doctor recommends it, you should schedule Radiology Center at Harding in Morristown, New Jersey.
Will CT scans Lead to Cancer?
Different factors determine whether you’ll face problems after heart CT scan, lung CT scan or liver CT scan. These include your age, your gender as well as the part of your body that is getting the scan. The risks are low overall, the chances of getting cancer from one CT scan is 1 in 2,000. Some parts of the body are more sensitive to CT scan cancer. For example, cells like breasts, lungs, bone marrow and thyroid glands are more sensitive. This is because they have cells that are fast-dividing in nature. Other types of CT scans like CT scan brain causes low risks as they have fewer fast-dividing cells. Women are also at a higher risk than men. Kids are also at a higher risk as they have more fast-growing cells.
Can I prevent risks associated with CT scans?
You don’t necessarily need to not get a CT scan if you are recommended one by a doctor. However, it may be good to ensure that each one is absolutely necessary. You can also ask the technician to shield the parts of your body that don’t need the scan. This can be done with the help of a lead apron. At Radiology Center at Harding in Morristown, New Jersey, they offer the safest CT scans for you.
