Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Respect for Radiation: X-rays and Cancer Risk in PJS


This patient-view report is on x-rays and radiation and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. In our discussions of tests, we seldom mention, and never discuss, medical radiation and x-rays in PJS. There's hope for the future. The PillCam  or Video Capsule Endoscopy doesn’t involve radiation. Magnetic Resonance exams for the small bowel and breast are alternatives to small bowel series and mammography. Hopefully, new techniques and equipment for detection of polyps, tumors and cancers will be evolved before any of us totals 100 x-ray exams. Hopefully, new treatment methods will cure cancers without the side effects and after-effects of current treatments. And most hopefully, cancer prevention will be a priority not just for those of us with mutations, but for all of us sharing this planet.