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There are approximately 65 million CT scans done in the United States annually with an estimated 8 million in children. However, there is a much higher radiation dose from CT scans than from the traditional radiographs and fluoroscopy tests that radiologists perform and interpret. CT scans provide in general more information about the anatomy ...
CT scans can be performed with different settings for lower exposure in children with most manufacturers of CT scans as of 2007 having this function built in. [170] Furthermore, certain conditions can require children to be exposed to multiple CT scans. [148] Current recommendations are to inform patients of the risks of CT scanning. [171]
CT scans of the head increase the risk of brain cancer, especially for children. As of 2018, it appeared that there was a risk of one excess cancer per 3,000–10,000 head CT exams in children under the age of 10. [11]
The currently used low dose CT scan results in a radiation exposure of about 2 millisieverts (equal to roughly 20 two-view chest x-rays). [11] It has been estimated that radiation exposure from repeated screening studies could induce cancer formation in a small percentage of screened subjects, so this risk should be mitigated by a (relatively ...
The ionizing radiation used in CT scans can lead to radiation-induced cancer. [13] Age is a significant factor in risk associated with CT scans, [14] and in procedures involving children and systems that do not require extensive imaging, lower doses are used. [15]
As of 2012, the risk of low dose radiation in medical imaging was unproven. [7] It is difficult to establish risks associated with low dose radiation. [7] One reason why is that a long period of time occurs from exposure to radiation and the appearance of cancer. [7] Also, there is a natural incidence of cancer. [7]
Compared to most other diagnostic imaging procedures, CT scans result in relatively high radiation exposure. This exposure may be associated with a very small increase in cancer risk. The question is whether that risk is outweighed by the benefits of diagnosis and therapy [8] The procedure has a low rate of finding disease.
A concern is the potential for CT to contribute to radiation-induced cancer and in 2007 it was estimated that 0.4% of current cancers in the United States were due to CTs performed in the past, and that in the future this figure may rise to 1.5–2% based on historical rates of CT usage. [59]