Dental X-rays Linked to Increased Brain Tumpir Risk
Researchers in America have revealed that frequent X-rays can increase the risk of brain tumours.
A research team from Yale University School of Medicine and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Connecticut, found that people who had frequent dental X-rays were more likely to develop a form of brain tumour called meningioma.
During the study, researchers analysed two types of dental X-ray, Panorex and bitewing X-rays. The study involved 3,000 adults, with around half being diagnosed with meningioma and researchers found that patients who had frequent dental X-rays had a higher risk of developing a tumour.
Meningioma is a form of cancer that does not spread. The tumours usually develop very gradually, but they can cause problems if the tumour starts to press on the brain and in some cases, they can be fatal.
Of the 3,000 people involved in the trial, researchers revealed that the risk of a tumour for patients who had Panorex X-rays was around 2.7-3 times higher, while those who had a bitewing X-ray on an annual basis were up to 40-90 percent more likely to develop meningioma.
Dr Elizabeth Claus, lead author of the study, said that she hoped the findings of the study would increase awareness of the potential risks associated with overuse of dental X-rays.
Dr Paul Pharoah, a reading in cancer epedimiology from Cambridge University, said that the results from the study were significant, however, as meningioma is so rare, the actual increase in the risk of tumours is very small.
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