- Time：2013/5/28 Posted：TJ-MED Technology
When x-rays, or any ionizing radiation, pass through the body they cause electrons to be ejected from atoms, leaving behind positive ions. These positive ions, or free radicals, can cause damage to DNA. DNA can also be damaged directly by radiation. If DNA is damaged, there are three possible outcomes:
1 The cell dies (only occurs with very high doses).
2 The cell repairs itself perfectly (most common result).
3 The cell repairs itself with mistakes (rare).
The inaccurate repair of DNA is rare, but can cause a cell to act wildly or grow into a cancer. Oftentimes it takes decades for cancer to be detected following radiation exposure.
How do x-rays increase your risk for cancer?
Pre：What are x-rays?