The introduction of Computed Tomography or CT scan has been regarded to be a boon in the field of medical imaging. A recent study conducted shows that unregulated medical screenings using CT scan can cause significant harm.
The introduction of Computed Tomography or CT scan has been regarded to be a boon in the field of medical imaging. A recent study conducted shows that unregulated medical screenings using CT scan can cause significant harm.
The amount of ionizing radiation to which a patient is exposed during a CT exam is nearly 100 times more than an ordinary X-ray film. This raises serious concerns about high radiation exposure to patients and the subsequent development of cancer.The whole body CT scan is likely to pick up some abnormality or the other and, someone screened in this way may then go on to have invasive surgery even when it is unnecessary. Moreover, positive results from screening - whether true or false, can lead to significant psychological trauma.
A careful consultation with the Radiologist would be critical to ensure that the methods of imaging chosen are of value in diagnosis and treatment planning and do not duplicate or merely confirm established findings. This approach is especially valuable to minimize the loss of time, additional exposure and expense to the patient.
Source: Indo-Asian News Service
