JUN 25 - X-rays have become an integral part of medical diagnosis and are usually among the first of routine investigations to be ordered by doctors. Despite the advent of newer modalities such as Ultrasound Imaging, and CT & MR scans, the use of X-rays still has a firm place in the medical field and there have been significant advances in the technology over the years. Apart from diagnostic purpose, X-rays serve a great deal in the management (including palliation) of cancer, and this specialty is known as radiation therapy.
X-rays do have a number of flaws, however, particularly to do with the risk of developmental defects and cancer, which is increased in those exposed. X-rays have been classified as a carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) by both the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer as well as the US government. Of course, X-ray imaging is safe when conducted properly and carries minimal risk. In most ordinary cases, a very small amount of radiation is used, so that the benefits generally outweigh the risk of harm. Radiologists and X-ray technologists are usually well trained to use the minimum amount of radiation necessary to obtain sufficient results.
Patients must attempt to be vigilant themselves too. It is very important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant before getting an X-ray because the effects of exposing the growing fetus to radiation can be harmful.
A 10-day rule has been established by the International Commission on Radiological Protection to minimise the potential for performing X-ray exams on pregnant women. The basis of the rule is to do abdominal and pelvic X-ray exams only during the 10 days following the onset of menstruation. The radiation dose should be estimated by a medical professional with experience in dosimetry. It should however be noted that diagnostic X-ray exams of areas that do not include the lower pelvis can be done safely during pregnancy, but only when necessary.
It is also a good idea for patients to keep a record of their X-ray history. This can help your doctor make the right decision as to whether the next X-ray examination is actually needed or if any modifications to the previous one may serve the purpose. For example, a person who has recently done a chest X-ray frontal view may only need to do a lateral view the next time. But if the patient doesn’t share this information with the doctor, s/he may end up doing a frontal one all over again.
Dr Regmi is an MD student of Radiology and Imaging in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Source: http://www.ekantipur.com/2012/06/25/health-and-living/x-rays-what-we-should-know/356127/
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