Imaging Technology

Written by Ara Keshishian, MD, FACS, FASMBS
Last updated: April 16, 2025

Imaging technology has evolved dramatically since Dr. Roentgen’s first X-ray was taken in December 1895. Our understanding of the science of radiation has changed exponentially. However, there is significant evidence that overutilizing radiation-related diagnostic studies is unnecessary. Several factors, including medico-legal and financial concerns, likely drive this.

There is a new publication that has documented the increased risk of cancer associated with excessive radiation caused by diagnostic testing.

We should all ask the question before ordering and submitting to a diagnostic examination that involves radiation:

                  What information am I trying to get?

                  Have I had a similar test done? And if so, do I have access to the records and images?

This is why I always recommend that patients maintain the report, the images, and all the radiologic studies they get done so they are readily available to them and their healthcare providers. This helps to reduce the amount of imaging radiation a patient may be exposed to.

 https://www.dssurgery.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Radiation-Risk_-Cancer.pdf