Low-Dose Radiation May Not Pose the Risk People Fear


Posted December 21, 2016 by lewisvillefm

Multiple studies, for example, have proven that when low-dose radiation is used the body is quite capable of repairing any damage associated with exposure.

 
The founder and lead surgeon of Lewisville Flower Mound Oncology talks about use of radiation in medical testing.

Lewisville, TX — The use of low-dose radiation in medical diagnostics sometimes raises eyebrows. After all, radiation is a known carcinogenic. That fact may leave patients wondering just why their doctors would recommend tests that rely on this source to provide a detailed look inside the body. Studies have shown, however, that imaging tests present with limited risks and do more good than harm in the long run when serious conditions are detected or ruled out.

“There are quite a few misconceptions surrounding the use of low-dose radiation in diagnostics,” explains Dr. Gregory Echt, founder and lead surgeon at Lewisville Flower Mound Oncology. “One of those misconceptions is that any use significantly raises cancer risk. That is simply not true and is proven by years of use and research.”

Multiple studies, for example, have proven that when low-dose radiation is used the body is quite capable of repairing any damage associated with exposure. Add to this the fact that tests like the CT can help lead to successful diagnosis and treatment of serious conditions, such as cancer, and the case for their use becomes clear.

The use of low-dose radiation is limited in practice by guidelines that were created back in the 1950s. These guidelines, many clinicians say, are simply not valid in regard to low-dose exposures. The guidelines, known as the Linear No-Threshold, were based on exposure to extreme doses of radiation, such as that produced by bombs. They do not account for the differences associated with low-dose exposure, nor do they factor in the body’s reparative abilities. The model also does not consider cases of routine exposure where people are at no higher risk for cancer than the general population. Studies, for example, have shown that nuclear power plant workers have no increases in cancer rates.

“With an estimated 1.7 million new cases of cancer in the United States likely in the coming year, people are wise to limit their exposure to risk factors,” says Dr. Echt. “When a diagnostic test is needed to confirm or rule out a serious condition, however, the risk associated is so minute that people may do themselves more harm than good by avoiding testing. CT scans, X-rays and other imaging procedures that draw on low-dose radiation can and do save lives.”

If testing procedures associated with low-dose radiation are recommended by doctors, patients should ask about their genuine need, Echt said. Avoiding necessary tests out of fear about low-dose exposure, however, may enable conditions like cancer to run undetected longer, which could create greater problems for a patient in the long run.

About Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group
The Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group has state-of-the-art facilities that offer individualized care to patients throughout North Texas. With a team of expert oncologists and other specialists on staff, the Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group treats a variety of cancers and blood disorders with an eye towards the newest advancements available in diagnostic technology and treatments.
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Issued By lewisvillefm
Website Lewisville Flower Mound Oncology Group
Phone 972.316.4220
Business Address 500 W. Main Suite 380
Lewisville, Texas 75057
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Categories Fitness , Health , Medical
Tags cancer care , oncology
Last Updated December 21, 2016