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What Are The Negative Effects Of Radiation Due To Mammograms?

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Posted on Mon, 23 Mar 2015
Question: I've had 3 mammograms and 1 chest x-ray and 2 scans in 30 days. I am quite concerned re all the radiation to which my poor body has been exposed in such a short time. A chest CT is scheduled but I would like to cancel it. They are looking for a nodule noted last year (on a scan of my gallbladder) but the recent x-ray showed nothing and so is it okay to cancel? What happened to the nodule? My dad died of lung cancer - but he smoked for 50 years and I have never smoked. I have, though, been exposed to 2nd hand smoke, quite a bit.

To continue, the reason for the 3 mammograms is dense tissue found this year (Jan.) and also nipple has been inverting x a year. In the end I was told nothing to worry about. However, I am worried - and also about the pulmonary nodule. But I am also worried about all the radiation in such a short span of time.
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Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
The benefits outweigh the risk of the radiations!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about these ongoing investigations and your concerns about the radiations. For sure, it is true that radiation can cause cell damage and consequences down the road. However, this is only a risk and many persons never get to have any problems. Persons who used to have severe consequences were back in the 80's when huge exposures were needed for testing and treatment. This is no longer the case at this time.

At this time, the benefits outweigh the risk and I will strongly recommend that you consider doing so. Also, having a resolved worry would be so so helpful, relaxing and reassuring to you. I will recommend that you do so.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ivo Ditah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

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What Are The Negative Effects Of Radiation Due To Mammograms?

Brief Answer: The benefits outweigh the risk of the radiations! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about these ongoing investigations and your concerns about the radiations. For sure, it is true that radiation can cause cell damage and consequences down the road. However, this is only a risk and many persons never get to have any problems. Persons who used to have severe consequences were back in the 80's when huge exposures were needed for testing and treatment. This is no longer the case at this time. At this time, the benefits outweigh the risk and I will strongly recommend that you consider doing so. Also, having a resolved worry would be so so helpful, relaxing and reassuring to you. I will recommend that you do so. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.