In order to answer the question of whether medical radiation—meaning radiation used for diagnosing or treating a medical condition—is safe, safety must be defined.

What does safe mean? Does it mean:

• there is no risk?
• the risk is very small?
• the benefit exceeds the risk?

If someone tells you the air is safe, does it mean:

• the air is free of pollutants?
• that breathing the air every day is safe?
• that brief exposure to low levels of pollutants is safe, yet constant exposure may not be safe?

Many activities carry some kind of risk. To call something safe usually means that it carries a low risk, not zero risk. Zero risk is almost impossible.

Safety is different for everyone. For example, people with asthma do not tolerate pollution well. What is safe for people without asthma is not necessarily safe for people with asthma.

An action or product is deemed safe only if the risk associated with it is very low. This is true for medical x-rays, medication or any medicine. Even so, only patients who need diagnostic imaging should have imaging exams.

Background radiation exists naturally everywhere in the environment. These background levels of radiation are clearly safe. If they were not, life on earth would not flourish. Yet, we know radiation has the potential to cause cancer.

The degree of safety depends on the level of exposure. Ultra-high levels of radiation (levels far above background radiation or in amounts well in excess of those used in diagnostic imaging) may cause cancer to develop later in life. 

Only a small percentage of people who are heavily exposed to radiation develop radiation-induced cancer later in life. This includes people who are:

• exposed to radiation from nuclear weapons.
• involved in radiation accidents.
• treated for an existing cancer with radiation treatments.

The potential for radiation-induced cancer depends on the amount of radiation exposure and accumulation of exposure over a long time. Lower exposure levels—background radiation, nuclear medicine exams, computed tomography (CT) scans, or diagnostic x-rays—carry low risks.

Nevertheless, a large volume of indirect evidence suggests that diagnostic levels of radiation probably are associated with a low level of risk for inducing disease many years after exposure. Such an event would be very infrequent. Benefits to patients who are sick or injured are so substantial that the radiation risk becomes a minor factor in their healthcare. 

Some imaging examinations are used to screen for disease in healthy people. Annual mammograms find breast cancer early, when it can be treated more successfully. Early diagnosis and treatment far outweigh any radiation risk. By this definition, the examination is safe.

When used in large quantities or when many examinations are performed, the risk from exposure to x-rays increases. In some instances, the accumulated dose from multiple examinations can reach levels where the risk of induced cancer has been identified. This can occur after certain types of imaging examinations are repeated five or six times in some adult patients. For some very serious medical conditions, multiple exams are necessary, and the benefits far outweigh the risk.

Safety is a priority. To be safe, medical practitioners should use x-rays only in quantities necessary for proper medical care. For example, x-rays for children are scaled-down, and multiple examinations are limited to those that are essential. Since babies are small, diagnostic examinations can use far less radiation to obtain necessary pictures.

After 100 years of research, it has been impossible to prove that single, low-dose diagnostic x-rays cause cancer. It is important to use diagnostic exams only when necessary. A necessary exam is safe.

Source RadiologyInfo

As a patient, it is vital that you remove all metallic belongings in advance of an MRI examination, including external hearing aids, watches, jewellery, cell phones and items of clothing that have metallic threads or fasteners. Additionally, makeup, nail polish or other cosmetics that may contain metallic particles should be removed if applied to the area of the body undergoing the MRI examination.

Various clothing items such as athletic wear (e.g. yoga pants, shirts, etc.), socks, braces, and others may contain metallic threads or metal-based anti-bacterial compounds that may pose a hazard. These items can heat up and burn the patient during an MRI. Therefore, MRI facilities typically require patients to remove all potentially problematic clothing items prior to undergoing an MRI.

The powerful magnetic field of the MR system will pull on any ferromagnetic object in or on the patient’s body such as a medical implant (e.g., certain aneurysm clips, medication pumps, etc.). Therefore, all MRI facilities have comprehensive screening procedures and protocols they use to identify any potential hazards. When carefully followed, these steps ensure that the MRI technologist and radiologist know about the presence of any metallic objects so they can take precautions as needed.

In some unusual cases, due to the presence of an unacceptable implant or device, the exam may have to be cancelled. For example, the MRI exam will not be performed if a ferromagnetic aneurysm clip is present because there is a risk of the clip moving and causing serious harm to the patient. Besides possible movement or dislodgement, certain medical implants can heat substantially during the MRI exam as a result of the radio waves (i.e., radiofrequency energy) used for the procedure. MRI-related heating may result in an injury to the patient. Therefore, as a patient, it is very important for you to inform the MRI technologist about any implant or other internal or external object that you may have prior to entering the MR scanner room.

The powerful magnetic field of the MR system may damage an external hearing aid or cause a heart pacemaker, electrical stimulator, or neurostimulator to malfunction or cause injury. If you have a bullet or any other metallic fragment in your body there is a potential risk that it could change position and possibly cause an injury.

In addition, a metallic implant or other objects may cause signal loss or alter the MR images making it difficult for the radiologist to see the images correctly. This may be unavoidable, but if the radiologist knows about it, allowances can be made when obtaining and interpreting the MR images.

For some MRI exams, a contrast material known as a gadolinium contrast agent may be injected into a vein to help improve the information seen on the MR images. Unlike the contrast materials used in x-ray exams or computed tomography (CT) scans, a gadolinium contrast agent does not contain iodine and, therefore, rarely causes an allergic reaction or other problem. However, if you have a history of kidney disease, kidney failure, kidney transplant, liver disease, or other conditions, you must inform the MRI technologist and/or radiologist before receiving a gadolinium contrast agent. If you are unsure about the presence of these conditions, please discuss these matters with the MRI technologist or radiologist prior to the MRI examination.

Source RadiologyInfo

Whether you’re preparing for your first mammogram or have had them annually for years, all women have wondered: “Is this going to hurt?”

These answers to common questions about mammograms and pain can help better prepare women for this important screening to have a positive breast imaging experience. 

Discomfort during a mammogram procedure varies from patient to patient. Some experience discomfort due to the compression that is applied to the breast. Most women, however, tolerate the exam quite well.

How much pain you feel can vary based on: 

• the size of your breasts
• timing of the exam related to your menstrual cycle
• how the mammographer positions your breast

The most important thing a woman who is concerned about pain can do is tell the mammographer before the imaging begins. If there is pain during the exam, the mammographer can also try different positioning to reduce discomfort. 

Other things you can do to reduce pain include: 

• During and immediately before a period, hormonal swings can increase breast sensitivity. Be mindful of timing when scheduling your mammogram.
• Tell your mammographer about any history that may make the exam more painful such as past discomfort during a mammogram or a history of fibrocystic breasts.
• Keep as still as possible during the procedure to ensure clear images and avoid having to repeat parts of the examination.

Detecting breast cancer early means smaller tumours and less involvement of the lymph nodes, giving a patient more options for treatment and increasing the likelihood of full remission.

Whether you’re preparing for your first mammogram or have had them annually for years, all women have wondered, “Is this going to hurt?”

These answers to common questions about mammograms and pain can help better prepare women for this important screening so they can have a positive breast imaging experience. 

Discomfort during a mammogram procedure varies from patient to patient. Some experience discomfort due to the compression that is applied to the breast. Most women, however, tolerate the exam quite well.

How much pain you feel can vary based on: 

• the size of your breasts
• timing of the exam-related to your menstrual cycle

The most important thing a woman who is concerned about pain can do is tell the technician before the imaging begins. The technician can take the time to educate the woman on what to expect and why compression is necessary. If there is pain during the exam, the tech can also try different positioning to reduce discomfort. 

Other things you can do to reduce pain include: 

• During and immediately before a period, hormonal swings can increase breast sensitivity. Be mindful of timing when scheduling your mammogram.
• Tell your technician about any history that may make the exam more painful such as past discomfort during a mammogram, or a history of fibrocystic breasts
• Stay still during the procedure to ensure clear images and avoid having to repeat parts of the exam

Detecting breast cancer early means smaller tumours and less involvement of the lymph nodes, giving a patient more options for treatment and increasing the likelihood of full remission.

Source Beaumont

Breast implants are most often placed above the muscle (sub-glandular) and implants in this location can potentially reduce the radiologist’s ability to interpret the mammogram because not all the breast tissue can be visualised. Implants placed beneath the muscle (subpectoral) are much less likely to interfere with the radiologist’s ability to interpret the mammogram. Still, studies show that mammograms are an effective way to screen for breast cancer in women with breast implants.

If you have breast implants, you can take steps to make your mammogram more successful, such as:

• Visit a facility, likeBayradiology, which sees many women with breast implants. Our staff is experienced in performing mammograms on patients with breast implants. 

• Disclose that you have breast implants at your appointment.
  When you make your appointment and again when you arrive at your appointment, tell the staff that you have breast implants.

• If you have noted changes in your breast or if you have concerns, tell your doctor promptly. 
  Your doctor will talk with the radiologist to decide whether you need additional imaging or breast ultrasound.

There’s a slight risk that your breast implants may rupture during a mammogram, but the benefits of mammography in the early detection of breast cancer outweigh this risk.

The possibility of an X-ray during pregnancy causing harm to your unborn child is very small. Generally, the benefits of the diagnostic information from an X-ray outweigh the potential risk to a baby. However, if you received a large number of abdominal X-rays over a short period before you were aware of your pregnancy, your baby could be affected.

Most X-ray exams — including those of the legs, head, teeth or chest — won’t expose your reproductive organs to the direct X-ray beam, and a lead apron can be worn to provide protection from radiation scatter.

The exception is abdominal X-rays, which expose your belly — and your baby — to the direct X-ray beam. The risk of harm to your baby depends on your baby’s gestational age and the amount of radiation exposure. Exposure to extremely high-dose radiation in the first two weeks after conception might result in a miscarriage. However, these dose levels aren’t used in diagnostic imaging.

Exposure to high-dose radiation two to eight weeks after conception might increase the risk of fetal growth restriction or birth defects. Exposure between 8 and 16 weeks might increase the risk of a learning or intellectual disability. But the typical dose of a single radiation exposure associated with a diagnostic X-ray is much lower than the high dose associated with these complications.

Before having an X-ray, tell your doctor if you are or might be pregnant. Depending on the circumstances, it might be possible to postpone the X-ray or modify it to reduce the amount of radiation. In addition, if you have a child who needs an X-ray, don’t hold your child during the exam if you are or might be pregnant.

If you had a diagnostic X-ray before you knew you were pregnant, talk to your health care provider.

Source Mayoclinic

Yes, it is perfectly safe for a breastfeeding mom to get any kind of X-ray, including dental X-rays or even chest X-rays. The radiation in an X-ray may kill off a few of the living cells in any breast milk present at the time of the scan, but it won’t expose your baby to radiation.

It’s even safe to get a mammogram, although mammograms of lactating women can be harder to read.

It is also usually fine to be exposed to “contrast dye,” which is sometimes injected before an imaging scan to help illuminate certain parts of your anatomy. It’s safe because the dye is made up of molecules that are too large to pass into breast milk.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, which use magnets and no radiation, are also safe for a breastfeeding mom.

However, if you need a scan that involves being injected with a radioactive isotope – for a scan of your thyroid, for example – you will need to pump and dump your breast milk for a period of time afterwards. Talk to the radiologist and your paediatrician about how long it will be necessary to feed your baby stored breast milk or formula.

Source Babycenter

Claustrophobia is characterised as a fear of dark or confined spaces but people also describe this as a fear of being trapped without a way out. Usually, there is a fear of suffocation or fear of restriction associated with this phobia as well.

Sometimes an MRI is unavoidable if you need answers, but the thought of lying in a tube for an extended amount of time, however, is almost too much to bear if you have claustrophobia. In a study involving MRI procedures and those diagnosed with claustrophobia, 13% suffered from a full-blown anxiety attack. How can you avoid these panic attacks?

You’ll be happy to know there are things you can do.

Ask questions beforehand 

The more educated and informed you are on the specifics of the test, the less likely you are to be surprised by something. Ask your doctor to explain the details of the whole MRI procedure and know exactly what to expect. It does you no good if you don’t speak up so if you are concerned about any particular aspect, let your doctor or radiographer know.

Listen to music 

If the exam allows, ask about listening to music. MRI tests are loud and that noise alone can be physically jarring. Add the confined feeling to that and it’s a lot to handle if you are claustrophobic. By putting some relaxing music in your ears, you can distract your mind from the fact that you are in a small space.

Cover your eyes 

Whether you choose to keep your eyes closed or use an eye mask, don’t look. Before being moved into the machine, put music on and cover or close your eyes. Try and relax or better yet, try and sleep. If you can keep your eyes from seeing the confined space you are actually in, you can avoid your mind running away with irrational thoughts.

Breathe and meditate

If you can focus your breathing on deep, calm breaths, you can stop yourself from hyperventilating and an anxiety attack from derailing the test. Deep, relaxing breathing with your eyes closed will keep you at peace. Meditation or prayer are two things that help most people focus on positive energy when confronted with fear.

Ask for a blanket

Again, if the test allows it, you can ask for a blanket. Some patients report a feeling of security and comfort when a blanket is tucked in tightly around them. If a blanket is tucked tightly around some people, the anxiety is minimized as the blanket acts as a soothing relief.

Stretch beforehand

During the MRI, you’re asked to be as still as possible and this can be difficult for some people. The desire to stretch or adjust your position while you are in the MRI can be overwhelming. To avoid this, stretch your muscles and limbs to help you be as comfortable as possible while in the machine.

Take medication

Sometimes, no matter your preparation, the anxiety feels too great to combat on your own and in that instance; there is medication available to help you relax. Talk with your doctor about your claustrophobia and ask for a sedative to help. These sedatives may make you sleepy and often people will fall asleep during the MRI. Make sure you inform the staff that you have taken a sedative so they are aware and make certain you have a driver.

With the right preparation and tools, getting through your MRI when you have claustrophobia does not have to be an added stress.

Source Intermountain

A CT scan can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on what part of the body is being scanned.

It also depends on how much of your body the doctors want to look at and whether contrast dye is used.

It often takes more time to get you into position and give the contrast dye than to take the images.

After the test, you may be asked to wait while the pictures are checked to make sure they are clear and show all of the body parts being examined.

If not, more pictures may be needed.

Source: American Cancer Society