Medic warns of risks of body scan health checks

Patients who opt for quick operations to remove tumours that are detected during body scans could be risking their lives, a medical expert has warned.

Dr Ronald Ching Wan Ma, associate professor of Chinese University’s Medicine and Therapeutic Department, said he was concerned that increasing numbers of people were having radio-imaging checks which were unnecessary from a medical viewpoint.

Particularly at risk are patients that have tumours of the adrenal gland, because these are often found incidentally when scanning for other conditions. The procedures are becoming increasingly popular, especially on the mainland, where they are cheaper.

Ching added: “It is of the utmost importance for patients to have a comprehensive medical assessment to understand the risks involved in undergoing any medical operations for their specific condition.”