Can an X-ray examination cause cancer?
January 4, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Helma Rothwiller
Dear Radiologist,
My name is Clara Waldmüller and I have a question regarding an X-ray examination. I have heard that an X-ray examination can be harmful and even cause cancer. Is this true? I am worried because my doctor has suggested an X-ray examination to investigate my symptoms.
The background of my question is that I have already had some X-ray examinations in the past, including one on my knee and one on my back. Now I am wondering if these examinations could have long-term effects on my health. I have also heard that children and pregnant women are particularly sensitive to radiation, which only increases my concern.
Could you please explain to me how high the risk is that an X-ray examination can cause cancer? Are there alternative examination methods that are less radiation-intensive? How can I ensure that the X-ray examination my doctor has suggested is safe for me?
Thank you in advance for your response and your help with my concerns regarding the X-ray examination.
Sincerely,
Clara Waldmüller
Dear Mrs. Waldmüller,
Thank you for your question regarding the possible risks of a radiological examination. It is understandable that you are concerned, especially if you have had several radiological examinations in the past. My name is Helma Rothwiller and I am a radiologist. I will try to address your concerns and answer your questions as comprehensively as possible.
It is true that X-rays are ionizing radiation and can potentially be harmful to the body at high doses. There is a theoretical possibility that a radiological examination can cause cancer, especially with repeated examinations or high radiation doses. However, the actual risk is very low, especially with a single radiological examination. Most modern X-ray machines are designed to emit a minimal radiation dose that is considered safe for the patient.
It is important to note that the radiation dose in a radiological examination varies depending on the type of examination and body region. For example, the radiation dose in a simple X-ray of the arm is much lower than in a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen. In every radiological examination, the radiation dose is kept as low as possible to achieve the best possible image quality, without unnecessarily burdening the patient.
Special precautions are taken for children and pregnant women, as they are more sensitive to radiation. Radiological examinations are generally avoided in children and pregnant women, unless there is a pressing medical reason. However, there are alternative imaging techniques such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that do not use ionizing radiation and are therefore considered safer.
To ensure that the radiological examination suggested by your doctor is safe for you, you can ask your doctor about the recommended radiation dose and the risks and benefits of the examination. You can also make sure that the X-ray machine is modern and well-maintained to keep the radiation dose as low as possible.
In conclusion, radiological examinations are generally safe and an important part of medical diagnostics. However, if you still have concerns, you are welcome to speak with your doctor or a radiologist to address your questions.
I hope my response has helped alleviate your concerns regarding the radiological examination. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Helma Rothwiller
