Ionizing radiation imaging plays a crucial role in modern medical diagnostics. Among the primary imaging modalities that use X-ray technology are radiography (X-rays), computerized tomography (CT), and mammography. Each of these imaging techniques serves distinct purposes and involves different levels of radiation exposure.
The biological effects of radiation on the human body are measured in sieverts (Sv), with the millisievert (mSv) being a common unit used in medical imaging. One millisievert equals one-thousandth of a sievert. The International Commission on Radiological Protection recommends a public exposure limit of 1 mSv per year, averaged over five years.
Different medical imaging procedures expose patients to varying levels of radiation. The approximate radiation dose for common scans include:
CT scans, which generate detailed cross-sectional images using a rotating X-ray beam, generally involve higher radiation doses than standard X-rays and mammograms.
Mammography is a widely used imaging technique for detecting breast abnormalities. Digital mammography has become the standard in most U.S. medical facilities. The effectiveness of digital mammography can be influenced by several factors, including breast density, compressed breast thickness, X-ray beam characteristics, tube output, and exposure duration.
One of the newer technologies in breast imaging is Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT), a 3D imaging technique used for more detailed diagnostics when breast cancer is suspected. While DBT may involve higher radiation exposure than traditional mammography, some machines emit similar doses to digital mammograms. The overall risk of cancer from mammography remains extremely low, equating to about six weeks of natural background radiation exposure.
Certain antioxidants, including A, C, D, and E, can help protect against radiation effects in the body. Supplementing a high potency multivitamin should be considered when undergoing imaging with ionizing radiation.
Medical imaging using ionizing radiation is an essential diagnostic tool that provides critical information for patient care. While radiation exposure is a concern, the doses involved in common imaging procedures are generally low and considered safe. Advances in digital imaging technology continue to improve diagnostic accuracy while minimizing radiation risks. However, discernment should be used whenever imaging involving radiation is recommended. This is particularly true for infants, young children, and pregnant women.
References
Hendrick, R. E. (2020). Radiation doses and risks in breast screening. Journal of Breast Imaging, 2(3), 188–200. https://doi.org/10.1093/jbi/wbaa016
Lledó, I., Ibáñez, B., Melero, A., Montoro, A., Merino-Torres, J. F., San Onofre, N., & Soriano, J. M. (2023). Vitamins and Radioprotective Effect: A Review. Antioxidants, 12(3), 611. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12030611
Najjar, R. (2023). Radiology’s ionising radiation paradox: Weighing the indispensable against the detrimental in medical imaging. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.41623
