title: [Exposure of patients to radiation risk in common medical practice].
abstract: Medical radiation includes radiodiagnosis, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy. This radiation exposure differs from occupational public exposure, since a direct benefit is conferred upon the patient. The theoretical risks include genetic mutations, carcinogenesis and teratogenesis. In radiodiagnosis and nuclear medicine, the absorbed doses are very low, and no hazardous effect has been observed. In radiation therapy however, where high doses are delivered to a small number of patients, radio-induced carcinogenesis is well documented. It is by no means sure that the nuclear risk must be taken into account, and fully justifies the accomplishments and recommendations of the French radiation protection programs. There is no question that the nuclear risk-benefit equation resulting from medical exposure is tipped heavily in favor of benefit.
authors.affiliation: Département de radiothérapie, Centre Léon-Bérard, Lyon.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mornex
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Gérard
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Cosset
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dubray
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008503:Medical Staff; D009683:Nuclear Medicine; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011859:Radiography / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors
vernacular_title: Exposition des patients aux risques d'irradiation en pratique médicale courante.