http://wellth.wordpress.com Just another WordPress.com weblog Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:36:24 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 http://wellth.wordpress.com/2009/07/05/x-rays-children/#comment-205 brparker Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:36:24 +0000 http://wellth.wordpress.com/?p=834#comment-205 This statement is even more true now than when it was made in 1986. The markedly increased overutilization of CT scans in children puts them at increased risk for developing cancer in later life and may cause genetic damage we have not yet been able to quantitate. Parents should take the responsibility of questioning their physician when a CT scan is ordered. The question to ask is “Will the results of this scan make a difference in how my child is treated?” If there is no satisfactory answer, the utility of the scan is in doubt. It is also perfectly reasonable to discuss the pros and cons with the radiologist before submitting the child to the scan. This statement is even more true now than when it was made in 1986. The markedly increased overutilization of CT scans in children puts them at increased risk for developing cancer in later life and may cause genetic damage we have not yet been able to quantitate. Parents should take the responsibility of questioning their physician when a CT scan is ordered. The question to ask is “Will the results of this scan make a difference in how my child is treated?” If there is no satisfactory answer, the utility of the scan is in doubt. It is also perfectly reasonable to discuss the pros and cons with the radiologist before submitting the child to the scan.

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