HomeAnswersRadiologyradiation exposure

Do repeated X-rays and CT scans increase the risk of cancer?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 30-year-old female. I recently had a CT scan and other X-rays done. The CT scan was of my head and neck, including contrast dye. I also had a chest X-ray done and a few other X-rays taken by a chiropractor. Outside of the annual dental X-rays, I have not had any other X-rays, but I am worried about potential cancer risks in the future caused by these additional exams. I am not aware of the radiation dosage for any of the scans. Still, the CT scan results say that dose modulation or weight-based adjustment of the mA/kV was utilized to reduce the radiation dose to as low as reasonably achievable. What does this mean? Could you give me your opinion on this?

Thank you.
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Shoyab

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Muhammad Shoyab is a highly skilled Radiologist with expertise in radiodiagnosis and advanced imaging techniques, including CT, MRI, ultrasound, and X-ray interpretation. He specializes in accurate and early detection of diseases to support effective treatment planning. Dr. Shoyab is committed to delivering precise, timely, and patient-focused diagnostic services, playing a crucial role in modern medical care and multidisciplinary clinical decision-making.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for writing in, and I understand your concern. I understand that your anxiety is due to having several radiology examinations, which you usually do not have. I have reviewed the dose report that you attached (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity), and I find that the computed tomography (CT) and computed tomography dose index (CTDI) and the dose-length product (DLP) quoted are very typical doses for such scans. Everyone is having those kinds of scans and they receive such amounts on average. And the as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) statement that you quoted is an assurance to me, and I would ask you not to worry about it.

Regards.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At January 4, 2022
Reviewed At September 26, 2022

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Muhammad Shoyab is a highly skilled Radiologist with expertise in radiodiagnosis and advanced imaging techniques, including CT, MRI, ultrasound, and X-ray interpretation. He specializes in accurate and early detection of diseases to support effective treatment planning. Dr. Shoyab is committed to delivering precise, timely, and patient-focused diagnostic services, playing a crucial role in modern medical care and multidisciplinary clinical decision-making.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Muhammad Shoyab
Dr. Muhammad Shoyab

Radiodiagnosis

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Muhammad Shoyab is a highly skilled Radiologist with expertise in radiodiagnosis and advanced imaging techniques, including CT, MRI, ultrasound, and X-ray interpretation. He specializes in accurate and early detection of diseases to support effective treatment planning. Dr. Shoyab is committed to delivering precise, timely, and patient-focused diagnostic services, playing a crucial role in modern medical care and multidisciplinary clinical decision-making.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
Listen to related tracks in our music library

Related Questions

Is this indentation on my thigh something to worry about?

What are the side effects of radiation used in lithotripsy?

Is it possible to have testicular cancer for five years and be unaware of it?

What is the safety limit for CT scans?

Comprehensive Second Opinion

Read answers about:

radiation exposure

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Radiology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.