Repeat scans could increase the risk of brain tumors, leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in children under 18.
- A CT scan is a medical imaging examination performed to diagnose cancer, observe the effectiveness of treatment and monitor post-treatment progress.
- Computed tomography or scanner makes it possible to observe all the organs of the body, but also the spinal cord, the blood vessels, the bones or the joints.
- Taiwanese researchers recently conducted a study to assess the risks of repeated CT scans on the health of children under 18 years old.
The scanner or tomodensitometry (CT) is a medical imaging examination, which allows the diagnosis of cancer, the evaluation of the effectiveness of a treatment and the post-treatment follow-up. Thanks to X-rays, this examination makes it possible to obtain precise images of all the organs of the body, blood vessels, spinal cord, bones and joints.
Repeat scans increase risk of brain tumor in children
In a recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ)researchers have warned of the risk of developing a brain tumour, leukemia or lymphoma when a child has been exposed to X-rays from a CT scan four or more times before the age of 18.
To reach this conclusion, the scientists studied the medical data of 7,807 Taiwanese children, who were diagnosed with an intracranial tumor, leukemia or lymphoma between 2000 and 2013, and the medical information of 78. 057 witnesses within the Taiwanese national health system. The objective was to compare the tumor rate in participants who had undergone a CT scan and in those who had not undergone one.
Repeat CT scans: young children at greater risk of developing cancer
According to the results, a single exposure to X-rays from a CT scan does not increase the risk of developing cancer, but children who have undergone two or three scans showed an increased risk of intracranial tumors. In young patients who had four or more CT scans, the risk of intracranial tumors, leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma doubled. The study authors also found that young children appear to be at greater risk of developing cancer following repeated CT scans.
“Unnecessary CT scans should be avoided and special consideration should be given to patients who are to undergo repeat CT scans (…) Parents and pediatric patients should be well informed of the risks and benefits prior to radiological procedures and encouraged to participate decision-making regarding imaging”, warned Dr. Yu-Hsuan Joni Shao, of the College of Medical Science and Technology (Taiwan).
