Radiation from CT scans may increase cancer risk over time.
A single CT (computed tomography) scan is generally safe. There are some health risks associated with the radiation used in these tests, but doctors consider these risks when deciding if a CT is right for an individual patient.
Significance
During a CT scan, the Mayo Clinic reports that the tested individual is exposed to an amount of radiation much higher than that used in x-rays.
Time Frame
Although a relatively high amount of radiation is used in a CT scan, the Mayo Clinic reports that exposure to this radiation lasts only a very short time.
Effects
The radiation from a CT scan could increases a person's risk for developing cancer, but Medline Plus reports that the risk from a single CT scan is very low.
Features
The risk from the radiation in CT scans increases with the number of CT scans a person goes through, according to Medline Plus.
Considerations
Pregnant women should not have abdominal CT scans, according to the Mayo Clinic and Medline Plus. The risk of performing a CT is weighed against the risk of not performing the test.
Tags: Mayo Clinic, Medline Plus, reports that, amount radiation, Clinic reports, Clinic reports that
