Hello, I Am Having Health Issues As I Am Loosing

Posted on Wed, 27 Mar 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : Hello,

I am having health issues as I am loosing weight without any intention. I have visited Doctor and they wanted me to do CT scan with and without contrast of abdomen and pelvis. I am already weak, tired, exhausted all time. So really scared of radiation as this has chances of causing cancer.

Regards,
Anupriya

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Pet scan is necessary to determine the cause of loosing weight

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Pet scan is necessary to determine the cause of loosing weight.

The risk of getting cancer from the radiation from imaging scans is extremely low, so you should not be worried.

I also suggest doing a complete blood count and a urine test for further evaluation.

I also recommend to check vitamin b12 level.

Meanwhile, I suggest a healthy lifestyle.

I recommend eating healthy, exercise daily and take a multivitamin supplement.

Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (9 hours later)

Hello Mam,

PET scan has too much radiation, that can certainly be harmful for me. The doctor has asked CT scan with and without contrast which has radiation of 20 msv (equal to 7 yrs of radiation). How much of radiation involved in PET scan because in PET scan as I understand the entire body will be scanned with radiation. I am already very exhausted, tired after any activity. I am not sure how will be able to handle that much of radiation. Plus it has after effects of the possibility of cancer in future.

Can I upload the blood tests done for her recently.

Please advise.

Regards,
Anupriya

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up query explained below in detail.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again dear,

The exposure to radiation carries a very small risk of potential tissue damage that can cause cancer.

But the amount of radiation you're exposed to in a standard PET scan is very small.

The radiation is about the same as the amount you get from the sun, over 3 years.

Of course, you can upload the blood tests for further evaluation.

Feel free to contact me again for further clarifications.

Take care,

Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (1 hour later)

Hello,

What is the strength of radiation in PET scan? This is for whole body right?
CT scan of Abdomen and Pelvis with contrast is 10-15 msv equal to radiation over 3 years.

Are you trying to say PET scan also has that much of msv?
Will MRI with contrast help if I can get that schedcule?

What will the diagnosis miss if I get the MRI with contrast in place of CT scan with contrast.
I have done CT scan previously also, so will there be any side effect if I have to do for the 4th time.

2011 - Brain CT scan.
2016 - Abdomen CT scan
2017 - Brain CT scan
2019 - Scheduled for Abdomen and Pelvis scan with contrast.

I will try to upload the results shortly.

Regards,
Anupriya

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up queries explained below in detail.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again dear,

A PET scan is often requested to see how the body is functioning in regards to blood flow, oxygen use, or metabolism of organs and tissue.

So in your case a PET scan is more helpful than an MRI with contrast.

It is done for the whole body to check for diseases.

It has approximately the same radiation as the CT scan.

There is a risk of radiation exposure, but the risk is very low.

The benefits of PET scan far outweigh the radiation risks.

Hope my answer was helpful.

Wishing you a good health,

Take care,

Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad