Low Radiation During CT Scan Reduces Chances of Cancer: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital

Radiologists suggest that a human being should not receive more than 5 millisieverts (measuring unit) of radiation a year. A computed tomography (CT) scan, however, expose humans to far more radiation. Up to 10% of invasive cancers are related to radiation exposure during CT scan, and low radiation during the procedure can reduce the chances of cancer in patients undergoing treatment, suggested doctors at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi.

Sir Ganga Ram Hospital has recently come up with a new low dose of iterative reconstruction technique for imaging. It has been found that this scanner leads to significantly reduced doses of radiation.

Computed Tomography Scan (CT Scan)
Computed Tomography (CT) scan is a type of medical examination that uses X-rays and computer processing to create sectional images of the body to provide more efficient results than X-rays.

Dr. T.B.S. Buxi, chairperson of department of CT and MRI at city-based Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said, "Whenever a person undergoes an imaging test, a quantum of radiation emitted gets deposited and probability of occurrence increases. At the same time, whenever a person receives less radiation, the chances of radiation-induced cancer decreases."

Dr. Buxi said, "People should avoid unnecessary CT scans or other imaging tests as the more people are exposed to radiation, the greater is their lifetime risk of contracting cancer. Instead of undergoing CT scan, the patient should enquire if there is a real need of CT scan or their problem could be managed without it."

The hospital also conducted a study, as part of which 986 patients' scans were evaluated and an average dose reduction of 33.2% in thorax, 32.455% in abdomen/pelvis and 49.706% in head examinations was achieved.

CT Scan in Children - An Increasing Concern
CT scanning is helpful in diagnosing diseases. However, its use in children should be done with care as children are more vulnerable to radiation risks. Their organs are more sensitive to radiation.

Dr. Buxi further added, "CT and MRI are used in the diagnosis of cancer and also to follow-up on patients on treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging has no radiation potential."

Dr. Samarjit Singh, consultant in the department of CT and MRI at SGRH, said, "The risk of developing cancer after a CT scan is approximately 1 in 2,000 (according to the US Food and Drug Administration) and more so in children, who are more sensitive to radiation."

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Source-IANS

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