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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Steps To Be Taken Prior To CT And PET Scans To Protect From Overexposure?

Hello, After being in remission from breast cancer for 20 years, it has now returned as a tumor in the sternum area of the chest. This recurrence was in May 2010. I was put on the drug Femara. I am concerned about the PET scans (I'm having my 3rd one next week) and the CT scans that are periodically ordered by the oncologist. How much radiation is too much? And what steps can I take prior to these tests to best protect myself from overexposure?
Thu, 9 Jul 2015
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your situation and problem.
PET scan is having highest radiation exposure.
CT scan is also having higher radiation but less than PET scan.
Permissible PET scan exposure is once in six months.
And for CT scan it and once in two months.
Anything more than this will cause radiation injury.
To prevent radiation injury you should follow these steps.
1. Drink plenty of fluids orally and keep yourself hydrated atleast 2-3 prior to scan.
2. Avoid Nephro toxic drugs atleast 1 week prior to scan. Dyes used in these scans can cause renal damage. So better to prevent other drugs causing renal damage.
3. Start N acetyl cysteine (NAC) 1week prior to scan and continue it for 1 week more. NAC is antioxidant in nature and helps in prevention of oxidative damage done by radiation.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good
healt. Thanks.
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What Steps To Be Taken Prior To CT And PET Scans To Protect From Overexposure?

Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your situation and problem. PET scan is having highest radiation exposure. CT scan is also having higher radiation but less than PET scan. Permissible PET scan exposure is once in six months. And for CT scan it and once in two months. Anything more than this will cause radiation injury. To prevent radiation injury you should follow these steps. 1. Drink plenty of fluids orally and keep yourself hydrated atleast 2-3 prior to scan. 2. Avoid Nephro toxic drugs atleast 1 week prior to scan. Dyes used in these scans can cause renal damage. So better to prevent other drugs causing renal damage. 3. Start N acetyl cysteine (NAC) 1week prior to scan and continue it for 1 week more. NAC is antioxidant in nature and helps in prevention of oxidative damage done by radiation. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good healt. Thanks.