CT scans used in medical imaging may increase the risk of brain tumors

The researchers from the National Institute of Cancer have discovered that the computed tomography scans which are used in medical diagnostics can increase the risk of cancer. The scanners deliver high radiation doses, which are related to malignancies, and these radiations mostly affect the children as their immunity is comparatively less than that of the adults.

The most common type of malignancies that are caused by high radiations areleukemia and brain tumors. The scientists conducted a survey in the United States which suggested that overall cancer incidence was 1.5 times higher after exposure to CT scans and there was a linkage observed with respect to dose-response and radiation dose to the brain.

The epidemiological studies suggested that the CT scans should bring optimization in the radiation frequency, such that it does not cause any harm to the patients. The incidence of brain tumors is reportedly higher in the cohort population than the general population. The researchers have suggested the radiologists use radiation of low doses and frequency, especially for the children.

The study's principal investigator, Michael Hauptmannstated that “There is a careful evaluation of the data is been made, CT-related radiation exposure increases brain tumor risk. Careful justification of pediatric CT scans and dose optimization, as done in many hospitals, to minimize risks”