Radiation concerns from CAT scan for proposed (elective) surgery

[bendted]

My urologist is suggesting that I may opt for surgery (prostate artery embolization). He said google it and let him know my decision. I did, and it involves a CAT scan so my answer is no and especially so because it would be an elective operation.

I'm aware that there's natural radiation that we are exposed to every day, from many unavoidable sources (Sun, radon, a plane trip...even bananas!) but that's cold comfort when you are accepting the additional risks. Too overly cautious?

https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1097/JU.0000000000003976

 

[KaraBulut]

The newer CT scanners are surprisingly fast and the radiation is less than 20 years ago. Abdominal scans do require a longer scan interval but the studies say that the increased risk of cancer is something like 1 in 2,000 persons. The normal risk of cancer for just being alive is about 400 in 2,000 persons. In other words, your risk of getting cancer during your lifetime is about 20% and radiation exposure and the CT would change that risk to 20.05%.

Not to make you paranoid, but these interventional radiology procedures, like arterial embolization, are done under fluoroscope. They have to use xrays to confirm the placement of the catheter into the bladder and the placement of the IV catheters where they will embolize the arteries. The CT and angiography will provide a map of your arteries for the radiologist which reduces the time under fluoroscope during the procedure.

I would look at this from a relative risk standpoint. If you meet the criteria for a PAE because of your prostate size, the PAE recovery is going to be much easier than a traditional prostate surgery later on when you're older. And your risk from surgery/general anesthesia is always going to be much higher compared to an interventional radiology procedure.

 

[bendted]

Yeah he bleated out that I took a bigger risk driving to the office, not helpful for a doctor to say. I keep telling these damn doctors medical decisions are not as easy as choosing between brands of bread or something. Example: I broke my arm a few years back. Do you want surgery? Well, you tell me, I have no medical training. It's up to you. Odds are 50/50 for need of surgery, he continued. I gambled and said no, with apparent good results.

Thanks though for your input. As to how I look at major things such as this, is that it's a quality of life issue. As such, it's manageable ("flow")...even with the prostate being in the top 1% in size.

Some additional information. I've had 3 MRIs and 4 biopsies over the years due to unspeakably high PSA numbers. If understand him, there's nothing left to do, and maybe a reduced size prostate would "find" cancer if it's there. Not what he said exactly, but as I understood it.

 

[lockeroomguy]

I worry a bit about cancer risk from radiation. I've had dozens of CAT scans. That being said, I the risk from a single scan is exceedingly low.
I'd have the procedure and scan if it improved my quality of life.