Computed tomography (CT) is a type of diagnostic imaging that uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the body. It’s a valuable tool for doctors to diagnose and monitor a range of medical conditions, from broken bones to cancer.

However, some people are concerned about the radiation exposure involved in CT scans and wonder if it’s safe. In this article, we’ll explore the risks and benefits of CT scans and what you can do to protect yourself from the potential harms of radiation exposure.

What is Radiation?

Radiation is energy that travels through space and matter in the form of waves or particles. Some types of radiation are natural, like cosmic rays and the radiation emitted by the sun.

Others are man-made, like the radiation used in medical procedures such as X-rays, CT scans, and radiation therapy.

Radiation can be ionizing or non-ionizing. Ionizing radiation has enough energy to remove electrons from atoms or molecules, which can cause damage to living tissue.

Non-ionizing radiation, like radio waves and microwaves, doesn’t have enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules and is generally considered to be safe for humans.

How Does CT Scanning Work?

CT scanning uses X-rays to generate detailed images of the body. During a CT scan, you lie on a table that slides into a machine called a gantry.

The gantry contains an X-ray tube that rotates around your body, sending multiple beams of X-rays through the tissues and organs being imaged.

The X-rays that pass through your body are detected by a scanner on the other side of the gantry. The scanner uses the information to create cross-sectional images, or slices, of the part of your body being examined.

These images can be combined to create three-dimensional images that provide your doctor with valuable information about your health.

What Are the Risks of Radiation Exposure?

The risks of radiation exposure depend on the amount of radiation you receive and the part of your body that’s exposed. Radiation can damage cells and DNA, which can lead to cancer and other health problems.

The risk of developing cancer from radiation exposure varies depending on factors like your age, sex, and overall health, as well as the type and amount of radiation you receive.

According to the National Cancer Institute, the risk of developing cancer from a single CT scan is relatively small, but it increases with repeated exposure.

The risk is also higher for children, who are more sensitive to the effects of radiation than adults.

How Much Radiation Do CT Scans Emit?

The amount of radiation emitted during a CT scan varies depending on the part of the body being imaged. According to the American College of Radiology, the average radiation dose from a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is about 10 millisieverts (mSv).

The radiation dose from a CT scan of the head is much lower, at about 2 mSv.

To put this in perspective, the average person in the US receives about 3 mSv of radiation per year from natural sources like cosmic radiation and radon gas.

A single CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is equivalent to about 3 years’ worth of background radiation. However, it’s important to note that the risks of radiation exposure are cumulative, so the more scans you have, the higher your risk of developing cancer.

How Can You Minimize Your Risk of Radiation Exposure?

If you need a CT scan, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of radiation exposure:.

Speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of the procedure. Make sure you understand why the scan is necessary and what the alternatives are.
Find out how much radiation you’ll be exposed to during the scan. Ask if there are ways to reduce the radiation dose, like using a lower-dose protocol or limiting the area of the body being imaged.
If you’ve had CT scans in the past, let your doctor know. The more scans you have, the higher your risk of developing cancer.
If you’re pregnant or think you might be pregnant, tell your doctor. CT scanning is generally not recommended during pregnancy because of the potential risks to the developing fetus.

Conclusion

Computed tomography is a valuable tool for doctors to diagnose and monitor a range of medical conditions. However, as with any medical procedure, there are risks involved, including the risk of radiation exposure.

The risks of radiation exposure depend on the amount of radiation you receive and the part of your body that’s exposed. If you need a CT scan, it’s important to speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of the procedure. By working together with your healthcare team, you can minimize your risk while still getting the care you need.