Computed tomography may increase the risk of brain tumor, study shows

The use of computed tomography (CT) has dramatically increased over the past two decades. While CT scans have significantly improved diagnostic capabilities, they also deliver higher radiation doses than any other test. Therefore, radiation protection is a concern. Especially in children, who may receive higher doses of radiation, are more open to radiation-related malignancies than adults. Children also have more time to show effects.

Leukemias and brain tumors are the most common malignant tumors caused by radioactivity in children and young adults. The researchers therefore badessed the risks of brain tumors and leukemias following a CT scan in children.

Of a national group of 168,394 Dutch children who had undergone one or more CT scans between 1979 and 2012, researchers discovered state by link record.

The study found that cancer incidents 1.5 times higher than expected. For all combined brain tumors and for malignant and non-cancerous brain tumors separately, dose-response relationships were observed with a radiation dose to the brain.

Relative risks increased from two to four for the highest dose category. The doses of radiation emitted by the bone marrow, from which leukemia originates, are low.

The study also shows that this type of excessive cancer risk may be partially attributable to confusion of indication, the incidence of brain tumor being higher. the cohort only in the general population.

CT scans are sometimes also used to identify conditions badociated with increased tumor risk.

"Epidemiological studies of cancer risks at low doses of medical radiation are difficult, data and evidence from other studies indicates that radiation exposure related to CT scans increases the risk of brain tumor A cautious rationale for pediatric tomodensitometry and dose optimization, as in many hospitals, are essential to minimize risk, "said Michael Hauptmann, principal investigator of the study

published in the Journal of National Cancer Institute.] Source: ANI
Image Source: Shutterstock

Published: July 20, 2018 10:00