Some thoughts about the importance of X-ray exposure histories for patients.

The controversy regarding the importance of the definition and standardization of a radiation exposure history is identified. Cancer incidence is increasing partly due to increased diagnostic accuracy but some over utilization of diagnostic X-ray exposure has been linked with increased breast, brain, thyroid and skin cancer, leukemia and multiple myeloma incidence. Since there is a lack of standardization of radiation histories and lack of knowledge by some physicians of radiation exposure dosages, this practitioner has compiled a suggested practical reference list of common radiation exposure dosages and indications for a detailed radiation history with current references.