Heart CT Scan cancer risk
High-resolution heart CT scans used to diagnose blocked arteries and heart disease could increase the risk of cancer, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The 64-slice heart scans, known as a computer tomography (CT) coronary angiography, use high levels of radiation, which lead to an increased risk of cancer which is especially apparent in women and young adults.
The 64-slice heart CT scanner was approved in 2004, and has grown in popularity as a diagnostic tool to for those suffering chest pain. Approximately 6 million people present to emergency rooms each year with chest pains, and the heart CT scan is a non-invasive tool, which takes less than 10 minutes to obtain detailed images of the heart and its arteries.
The heart scan creates a 3-D picture of the body by using 64 detectors which spiral around the body at a high speed. Although it reduces the risks of complications associated with more invasive traditional angiogams, it delivers more radiation than earlier models.
Researchers indicate that for a 20 year old woman, the risk of cancer associated with the heart scan is 1-in-143. For a 40 year old woman, the risk is 1-in-284. For a 40 year old man, the risk is 1-in-1,241.
The most common form of cancer associated with the CT heart scans is breast cancer, and young women are most susceptible. Their breast tissue is sensitive to radiation and the scan of the heart is in close proximity to the breasts.
With the increased risk of cancer associated with heart CT scans, doctors and patients will now have to take that into consideration when deciding whether to use the newer diagnostic test. Experts have indicated that doctors should be cautious in using the CT heart scan on women and young adults.
If you, a friend or family member are under 35 years old and have been diagnosed with breast cancer after receiving a heart CT scan since 2004, you can review your legal rights by requesting a free consultation.
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