In medical negligence news, a recent study in the medical journal Radiology indicates that certain tests for breast cancer expose patients to potentially dangerous levels of radiation and that physicians need to remain cognizant of this danger.

Specifically, the study found that breast-specific gamma imaging (B.S.G.I.) and positron emission mammography (P.E.M.), two nuclear-based exams that necessitate an injection of radioactive material, are far more likely to cause fatal cancer in patients than standard mammography.

However, according to the study, the problem is not the nuclear-based exams themselves, but rather the growing tendency of some physicians to use them as routine screening tools.

Both B.S.G.I. and P.E.M. are meant to be utilized in conjunction with standard mammography and ultrasound technologies upon discovery of a suspected cancerous growth. They are not meant to be utilized as routine screening tools.

Why?

The risk of developing radiation-related cancer from only one B.S.G.I. or P.E.M. test is roughly equivalent to the risk of developing radiation-related cancer from a lifetime of annual mammograms beginning at age 40.

In addition, B.S.G.I. and P.E.M. both increase a patient's risk of developing other forms of cancer, including intestinal cancer, kidney cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer and bladder cancer.

According to Dr. Deborah Rhodes, an internist at the Mayo Clinic, while the nuclear-based technology must be used judiciously, it is also extremely valuable.

"B.S.G.I. and P.E.M. are great tools for problem solving, if you have a patient with an abnormal mammogram and you're not really sure. The problem is these tests are now being considered and even being used in some cases as screening tests, and this is not appropriate," she said.

Whatever the reasoning or the circumstances, if you lost a loved one to what you believe was medical negligence or a failure to diagnose cancer, you should strongly consider contacting an experienced legal professional.

This post was for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal or medical advice. Stay tuned for more from our Texas wrongful death/medical malpractice blog ...

Related Resources:

• Radiation, Risks Are Focus of Breast Screening Studies (The New York Times)