As far as diagnostic
imaging is concerned the big concern is radiation. The effects of radiation
are serious and can be potentially harmful depending on the patient’s manner of
responding. One major concern is the effect of radiation on children, and it
has been for years. To make it clear children are not likely to develop cancer
from a single procedure, but repeat procedures over a short period can have
negative side effects in the future.
This is a particularly difficult situation especially when
you consider the fact that often times radiation levels determine image
quality. While there have been concentrated efforts to work on radiation
dosage, it’s very important to understand where the lines are drawn. A recent
study by the UN released its findings as far as radiation and children is
concerned.
The report stated “Because of their
anatomical and physiological differences, radiation exposure has a different
impact on children compared with adults” One particular note in the report made
references to future to cancer. “The report finds that children are more
susceptible to certain kinds of tumor types including leukemia, thyroid, brain
and breast, although the risk is not always immediate and more likely to
develop later in life.
The thing is that some studies have shown that
there is a possibility that at least 29,000 future cases of cancer will be
attributed to radiation exposure. The UN is exposing something that most
everyone already knows. In releasing their report the UN has probably
heightened the desire for greater efforts to reduce the usage of radiation
without sacrificing image quality.
One thing is for certain, reactions are
different from patient to patient. The UN studied 23 kinds of cancer. Radiation
is necessary in order to put together an image. It doesn’t matter what the
procedure, MRI,
CT scan, or X-Ray, there is a form
of radiation involved with all examinations. Hopefully this study coupled with
the information already available will help curb the radiation issue.
If you have any questions about diagnostic
imaging procedures please give us a call. Our team of dedicated imaging
professionals here at Clermont Radiology looks forward to answering all your
questions and aiding you in your diagnostic imaging needs.
Charla Hurst
General Operations Manager
352-241-6100
References: http://www.dotmed.com/news/story/22319
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