Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Are The Side Effects Of Getting Excessive CT Scans Done?
Question: 10-12 total head CTs, 1 CTA head. I have had 7 of these CTs in the past ten years.
8 chest CTs
1 neck CT
3 abdomen CTs
1 kidney CT
Is this considered excessive? What are my cancer risks? What types of cancers am I at risk for developing? What are my brain cancer risks?
8 chest CTs
1 neck CT
3 abdomen CTs
1 kidney CT
Is this considered excessive? What are my cancer risks? What types of cancers am I at risk for developing? What are my brain cancer risks?
Brief Answer:
There are chances of developing cancer.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
I have gone through your other queries as well.
You had underwent many CT scan in past years,so there are chances of developing cancer.
Combined dose of radiation exposure due to all CT scan is more than maximum permissible limit.
CT can of brain causes 2 mSv of effective radiation dose.Twelve CT brain will give 24 mSv radiation.
CT can of chest causes 7 mSv of effective radiation dose.Eight CT brain will give 56 mSv radiation.
CT can of abdomen causes 10 mSv of effective radiation dose.Three CT abdomen will give 30 mSv radiation.
CT can of neck causes 1.5 mSv of effective radiation dose.
CT can of kidney causes approx 4 mSv of effective radiation dose.
All together combined exposure is approximately 115 mSv.
Though it is above the maximum limit but exact percentage risk is difficult to estimate.
Radiation exposure may cause many types of cancer including brain cancer.
In future,I suggest to avoid CT scan.You can opt for MRI,which is safe.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
There are chances of developing cancer.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
I have gone through your other queries as well.
You had underwent many CT scan in past years,so there are chances of developing cancer.
Combined dose of radiation exposure due to all CT scan is more than maximum permissible limit.
CT can of brain causes 2 mSv of effective radiation dose.Twelve CT brain will give 24 mSv radiation.
CT can of chest causes 7 mSv of effective radiation dose.Eight CT brain will give 56 mSv radiation.
CT can of abdomen causes 10 mSv of effective radiation dose.Three CT abdomen will give 30 mSv radiation.
CT can of neck causes 1.5 mSv of effective radiation dose.
CT can of kidney causes approx 4 mSv of effective radiation dose.
All together combined exposure is approximately 115 mSv.
Though it is above the maximum limit but exact percentage risk is difficult to estimate.
Radiation exposure may cause many types of cancer including brain cancer.
In future,I suggest to avoid CT scan.You can opt for MRI,which is safe.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
