Dr. Zhi Xiuyi, deputy secretary general of the Cancer Foundation of China, is urging patients with pulmonary nodules to follow their doctor’s recommendations when it comes to CT scans. Speaking at the foundation’s 40th anniversary event, he highlighted the importance of scientific follow-ups and cautioned against unnecessary exposure to radiation.
“If your doctor recommends a follow-up in a year, don’t push for one in six months,” Dr. Zhi advised. “Excessive CT scans can expose you to harmful radiation.”
CT scans, or computed tomography scans, are powerful imaging tools that provide detailed images of the inside of the body. While essential for diagnosing conditions like lung nodules, overusing them can pose health risks due to radiation exposure.
He also recommended that patients get their thin-slice CT scans done at the same hospital. “Having all your data in one place allows doctors to access more high-quality images—sometimes over 200—which helps in making a more accurate diagnosis, especially for small nodules,” he explained.
For young people, it’s important to understand that more scans don’t always mean better care. Trust your doctor’s timeline and keep your medical records consolidated for safer and more effective treatment.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
