CT scan extensive use of cancer risk is increased

The 1980s and later, CT scans in the United States is rapidly increasing the number of enforcement, which in conjunction with high-dose radiation exposure due to cancer (cancer) risk is increased that the American medical journal "The New England Journal of Medicine "November 29 issue reported. David J. Brenne Eric J. Hall. This report is the U.S. Columbia University (New York) David J. Brenner said Eric J. Hall, and they made that.

Currently, the United States is years 62 million more than the CT scan (X-ray using body cutaway to shoot imaging method) is in effect. CT scan is usually performed by X-ray of 50 to 250 times the amount of radiation exposure to, and the individual unit is a small risk, but a large group unit in the future issues will come up.

"Radiation - induced solid cancer incidence require long periods of time before (except leukemia within 10 years to develop that), after several decades are now being conducted in the CT scan attributed to cancer, cancer the overall 1.5 to 2 percent, "Brenner said. Also, the annual four million to 500 million CT scan in children is in effect, but the children are adults compared to more sensitive to radiation, abdominal CT scan 1,000 to 1 in the proportion of cancer risk both have been pointed out.

　 Brenner said that the enforcement by CT scan one-third of the annual 20 million cases of diagnostic ultrasound, and other methods can also substitute the medical necessity of that. In recent years, the lung cancer diagnosis, virtual colonoscopy (virtual), whole-body CT scan, and also is used as it is becoming the most of the benefits outweigh the risks (benefit) that have been shown to be It does not, Hall said. However, CT is an excellent diagnostic method that is true, and appropriate use of blindly not be avoided They are also pointed out.

Brenner and Mr. Hall said the CT scan as a means to reduce the risk of the following three suggestions on that. The radiation dose to the individual patient to adjust, ultrasound and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and radiation risk-free alternative if you have to avoid the use of CT scans, CT scans reduce the number of enforcement - that . This allows the adult years, 20 million people, the children of 100 million people to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure can be.

Another expert, unnecessary CT scan that people are recognized.However, fears about radiation from the CT require a patient to get out of the CT response to the problem have said. The latest equipment in the radiation dose adjustments, and it is possible to use the dose can be reduced. Inadequate enforcement to ease the guidelines already in existence.