RADIATIONS AND CARCINOGENESIS

Journal Article · Fri Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1961 · J. Med. Soc. New Jersey

OSTI ID:4741571

Tullis, J L

After a review of the pertinent literature, it was concluded that radiations may be carcinogenic, given time, a susceptible host, and a large enough dose. In the adult, it seems that doses in the order of 1000 to 2000 r are required to cause induction of neoplasms. In fetuses and young children, less exposure is needed to produce tumors; as little as 200 r delivered to the thymus in infancy may produce leukemia, thyroid cancer, or other malignancy. There is some evidence that as little as 8 to 12 r delivered to the abdomen of a pregnant woman may play some part in the development of leukemia in her offspring. Radioinduced malignancies are characterized by a latent period of a few to many years' duration. It is suggested that physicians should avoid the unnecessary use of diagnostic x rays particularly in young children and pregnant women. It is also suggested that physicians should be alerted to the possibility of radiation as an etiologic agent in patients with a malignant lesion that is present in an organ previously exposed to large amounts of radiation either therapeutically or occupationally. (P.C.H.)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-17-018425
• OSTI ID: 4741571
• Journal Information: J. Med. Soc. New Jersey, Journal Name: J. Med. Soc. New Jersey Vol. Vol: 58
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

HEALTH AND SAFETY