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Question regarding x rays and scans

I know none of us know how we got this wonderful disease but I know radiation may be one of the causes. As I said before I am a breast cancer survivor obviously having numerous scans and radiation treatment in the past nearly 14 years ago. Question is, my hemotologist is trying to talk me into a Cat scan of the neck due to pain. It most likely is nothing but because of my history I guess I need to check the pain out. She says that Cat scans have decreased in radiation over the years but I don’t read this fact. I read it has a lot of radiation. I think I should have an MRI ordered, particularly due to the CML. What do you all think.? One day soon I hope to stop asking questions and start answering more. LOL, Thanks, Dawn

Hi Dawn,

CT scans have much lower radiation than you think, even if it is more than an x-ray.

An MRI doesn't give the same info as a CT, or PET etc. It's not an either / or. You need to the right tool for the right job.

David.

Thanks David, I may just go with it. Thx for response

I am convinced - through personal experience - that a series of cat scans I had prior to my CML diagnosis seven years earlier led to my disease.

Cat scans require careful calibration - and often are emitting far more radiation than reported. Just because new cat scannerss use less radiation doesn't mean the one they use on you has been 'tested', and calibrated properly. I will never have a cat scan again. if you MUST have a cat scan ask to see the calibration report and test of radiation emission.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4812429/

from the article:

"Although clear evidence of a radiation dose-dependent risk of chronic myeloid leukaemia, particularly for patients exposed to radiation at a young age, has been established..."

so they admit it can cause CML. Enough evidence for me.

 

Thanks Scuba, Yup, Really weighing the risks with the benefits. Thx for this info. Dawn

Important to ask what they are looking for with the CT scan and also, how will the results of the CT scan be used to make decisions about treatment? 

I'm upset that I've had X-rays in the past that had no effect on treatment whatsoever but were done just to take a look at something. I've also had a heck of a lot of dental X-rays done and I'm quite sure they weren't all necessary. 

I'm probably paranoid now that I have CML but agree it is tricky! I'm astonished at how quickly doctors, dentists, podiatrists, and some physios will write a form for an X-ray without even asking you when your last X-ray was or how many you have had.

It's something I hope electronic medical records of the future keep track of as there could be some interesting findings on cancer and quantifying lifetime risk from radiation. At the moment we generally don't have our X-ray exposures over our lifetimes added up.

PS Dawn, I am actually paranoid about this topic so good for you to listen to David and your doctor too obviously. Sometimes CTs are needed. Do feel entitled to ask if there is an alternative if you are concerned.

Dawn, maybe your neck pain would respond to some chiropractic/osteopathic manipulation?  Or even a plain old massage? 

Sandy

I agree with you Isla. Too many X-rays! Weighing my options for sure. Thanks for responding. Dawn

Hi Sandy, I agree. Gonna try a little massage and see if helps. Thanks for reaching out. Dawn