Radiation is a form of energy that can be harmful to the human body. It can cause damage to DNA, leading to cell mutations and potentially cancer.

While radiation is an essential tool for many medical procedures, it is vital to understand which ones expose us to the most radiation to make informed decisions about our health.

1. CT Scans

CT scans are one of the most common imaging tests used in medicine. They provide detailed images of the body’s organs, bones, and tissues by using X-rays and computer technology.

However, due to the high radiation exposure, CT scans are known to increase the risk of cancer.

2. Nuclear Medicine Tests

Another medical procedure that exposes us to high levels of radiation is nuclear medicine tests. These tests involve the use of small amounts of radioactive material that is injected into the body to help diagnose and treat disease.

Although the amount of radiation is relatively low, the risk of cancer can still be increased over time.

3. Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy is a type of imaging technique that uses X-rays to create real-time videos of the body’s internal structures. It can be used for various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, such as angioplasty, stent placement, and biopsies.

However, the prolonged use of fluoroscopy can expose the patient to high levels of radiation.

4. Mammography

Mammography is an X-ray imaging technique used to detect breast cancer in women. While mammography is an essential tool for early detection and screening, it also exposes women to low levels of radiation.

However, the benefits of mammography far outweigh the small risk of radiation exposure.

5. Interventional Radiology

Interventional radiology is a branch of radiology that uses imaging technology to guide minimally invasive procedures. Examples of interventional radiology procedures include arterial embolization, percutaneous biopsies, and radiofrequency ablation.

Patients who undergo interventional radiology procedures are exposed to low to moderate amounts of radiation.

6. Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for cancer that uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells.

While the use of radiation therapy can be effective in treating cancer, it can also cause damage to nearby healthy tissues, leading to long-term side effects.

7. Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a medical procedure that involves threading a thin tube (catheter) through a blood vessel to the heart to diagnose and treat heart problems.

During the procedure, a small amount of radiation is used to guide the catheter to the correct position. Although the amount of radiation exposure is relatively low, multiple procedures can lead to increased risk over time.

8. Dental X-rays

Dental X-rays are commonly used in dental offices to diagnose and treat oral health problems. While the level of radiation exposure is relatively low, frequent X-rays can increase the risk of cancer over time.

9. Barium Enemas

Barium Enemas (BE) are used to assess the colon anatomy and detect abnormalities. This exam involves injecting barium sulfate contrast medium into the patient’s anus, while the patient stands or lies down on a fluoroscopy table.

BE is a low risk procedure, with a low dose of radiation exposure, of approximately 3 mSv.

10. Radiation Exposure from Diagnostic Imaging Versus Natural Background Radiation

The average person in the US is exposed to around 6.2 mSv of natural background radiation per year. This exposure can vary depending on where you live, as radon gas is the most significant contributor to natural radiation exposure.

In comparison, a simple chest X-ray exposes you to approximately 0.1 to 0.2 mSv of radiation. A CT scan of the head exposes you to around 2 mSv of radiation, and an abdomen and pelvis CT exposes you to approximately 10 mSv of radiation.

Despite this, radiation exposure from diagnostic imaging constitutes a low overall risk, as it is typically less than the exposure an individual receives from natural background radiation.

Conclusion

Radiation is an essential tool in many medical procedures, but it’s important to understand which procedures expose us to the most radiation.

While some procedures can increase the risk of cancer, the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment often outweigh these risks. It’s always best to discuss any concerns you may have with your healthcare provider and make informed decisions about your health.