Computed tomography routine examinations and the related risk of cancer

Computed tomography is an imaging process that uses x-ray equipment to create detailed scans, of areas inside the body. A picture created during computed tomography process shows the organs, bones, and other tissues in a thin "slice" of the body. Computed tomography is used in cancer diagnosis in many different ways to detect abnormal growths, helps to diagnose the presence of a tumor, provides information about the stage of cancer, determines exactly where to perform a biopsy procedure. The x-rays, gantry around the head, chest or another body part, helps to make a three-dimensional image that is much more detailed than pictures from other x-ray machines. Computed tomography imaging involves the use of x-rays, which are a form of ionizing radiation. Exposure to ionizing radiation is known to increase the risk of cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the radiation exposure received during computed tomography in a representative sample of patients.