This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Radiation factors

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Electromagnetic and particulate radiation is capable of traversing cells and causing damage to DNA. Animal experimentation and the effects of human exposure - medical, occupational and from the survivors of atomic explosions - have shown that tumours may be produced in almost every tissue.

The effect of exposure is cumulative and, for small doses, has a long latency before effects become apparent.

Different types of radiation are associated with particular neoplasms. Ionizing radiation generally causes thyroid and bone marrow cancer. The prime example of the latter is the increased incidence of acute and chronic myelocytic leukaemia in the wake of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

Ultraviolet irradiation is associated with skin tumours, the classic example being that of the raised incidence in Caucasian Australians who have reported multiple episodes of 'sunburn'. There is also a set of autosomal recessive conditions in which ultraviolet radiation DNA damage seems to be poorly repaired due to a genetic abnormality, thus predisposing the individual to cancer. Examples include xeroderma pigmentosum, Fanconi's anaemia and Bloom's syndrome.


Create an account to add page annotations

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.