How much radiation in an upper abdominal CT scan?

[anxious09]

I have to have an upper abdominal CT scan because in my (standard) gastroscopy the dr said something was like pressing on my stomach from the outside. My own dr thinks it could be my just my intestines(constipation) but to check. I really hate scans and fear it may cause harm to me. I am 43 fem . It is making me ill with worry ...

[CHIN_C]

The average effective dose of CT abdomen is 8 mSv. However, the actual radiation exposure depends on many factors, including the device itself, the duration of the scan, your size, and the sensitivity of the tissue being targeted.

The benefits of these tests, when appropriate, far outweigh any radiation-associated cancer risks, and the risk from a single CT scan is negligible. Still, you should have only the scans that are necessary, and choose alternatives that do not require radiation exposure when possible. Bottom line: no need to worry as long as the test is medically indicated.

For more info:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/cancer/radiation-risk-from-medical-imaging
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/do-ct-scans-cause-cancer