Which of the following biological effects of ionizing radiation is classified as a STOCHASTIC effect?
- A Radiation-induced cataract
- B Skin erythema after fluoroscopy
- C Radiation-induced malignancy ✓
- D Temporary infertility following pelvic irradiation
Correct answer: C. Radiation-induced malignancy
Explanation
Stochastic effects are those whose probability increases with dose but which have no threshold, and cancer induction and heritable mutations are the classic examples. Cataract, skin erythema, epilation and temporary sterility are deterministic (tissue reaction) effects: they require a minimum threshold dose and their severity increases with dose. This threshold versus no-threshold distinction is the single most examined fact in radiation biology.
Reference: Radiologic Science for Technologists (Bushong), 12th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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