HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Do CT Scans Increase The Chance Of Cancer Due To Radiation?

default
Posted on Fri, 24 Jun 2016
Question: I had Ct Scan for Head and Neck done 8 years back. I had MRI immediately after that they had done Ct Scan after that. I have read somewhere that CT Scan Increases chances of Cancer due to radiation. I was no aware of that at all. It was just that i was having pain in head in since two months, so doctor has adviced me CT Scan. I asked him to do MRI but he did both one after another. Although nothing came out from test. I have heard CT Scan is equivalent to 100 x rays radiation. I have heard it took 10 years to cancer to develop. What are my chances for that now.

It was a local shop in XXXXXXX where i have done that. I even dont know how much Dose of radiation they have used. But since then i live in fear that one day i will have cancer due to radiation effects of that Scan. They have done for neck and head both to cover till ears.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Not necessarily to get cancer although the statistics

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your concern.

CT-scan is ordered only when it is absolutely necessary to determine the diagnosis of the patient as in your case. In other words when benefits outcome the risks.

Although there are side effects from radiation such as cancer, it does not necessary mean you'll get it. If no cancer was detected during these 8 years, and you had no ct-scan since then, then no worry for cancer now.

Keep healthy and enjoy life.
All the best.
Dr.Sejdini

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Rahul Tawde (32 hours later)
Is there any side effects of Doing CTScan immeditely after MRI as was done in my case. I know its more then 8 years now, but sill want to know. Also why while doing CT scans they never cover eyes, i have asked so many people who have done ct scans they says, normally they dont cover eyes.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Following answers to your questions

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

1. During MRI, ionizing X-rays are not used as during ct-scan. So no worries about multiple x-ray exposure.

2. During ct-scan, there is no need to cover the eyes.

All the best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Rahul Tawde

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1980

Answered : 1 Question

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Do CT Scans Increase The Chance Of Cancer Due To Radiation?

Brief Answer: Not necessarily to get cancer although the statistics Detailed Answer: Hi, I understand your concern. CT-scan is ordered only when it is absolutely necessary to determine the diagnosis of the patient as in your case. In other words when benefits outcome the risks. Although there are side effects from radiation such as cancer, it does not necessary mean you'll get it. If no cancer was detected during these 8 years, and you had no ct-scan since then, then no worry for cancer now. Keep healthy and enjoy life. All the best. Dr.Sejdini