Question from CA of the USA: Am I having too many CT Scans?

“I have a post operative abcess that has not completely healed.

During the past few weeks, I have already had six CT scans to monitor the abcess. Tomorrow I am scheduled for the 7th CT scan.

Including the three scans I had a few months ago prior to surgery, I will have had a total of ten CT scans during the past six months.

I am concerned about the radiation exposure. My doctor says these scans are necessary, but I remain cautious.

How can I be sure that I am not exposing myself to unnecessary risks?”

GG responds:

'Here are articles about CT Scan risks from www.pmppals.org"

We do understand your concerns about radiation exposure. Your questions should be directed to your radiologist and your surgical oncologist. As with any diagnostic tool, patients and their physicians must weigh the risks vs the benefit.

In your specific case, the abcess may pose a higher risk to your health than does radiation exposure. Therefore, your radiologist and surgical oncologist can advise you as to whether the CT scan exposure is warranted, or whether a different test can be substituted.”

 

 
Articles posted in PMP Pals and on www.pmppals.org are written from the perspective of patients and their family caregivers and are not intended to substitute for professional legal or medical advice. Patients should seek the counsel of licensed professionals regarding their specific needs. Copyright © 2011 by the PMP Pals’ Network. All rights reserved.

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