Brain and Neck Tumors Among Physicians Performing Interventional Procedures

In plain language

Among 31 reported cases of brain and neck tumors in interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists and radiologists, 85% of tumors with known side were left-sided. This suggests, but does not prove, a link to occupational radiation.

At a glance

Type of study: Case report or series
Who was studied: Interventional cardiologists, Electrophysiologists, Interventional radiologists
Size: n = 31 physicians
Topics: Brain tumors Cancer risk
Summary based on: the abstract

What it found

Most tumors with known laterality were on the left side of the brain, the side generally more exposed during interventional work.
Key figures: 22 of 26 (85%) left sided; 1 midline; 3 right sided
Brain and neck tumors were documented in 31 interventional physicians: 23 interventional cardiologists, 2 electrophysiologists and 6 interventional radiologists.
Key figures: 31 physicians
Glioblastoma multiforme was the most common tumor type, followed by meningiomas and astrocytomas.
Key figures: 17 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) (55%), 5 meningiomas (16%), 2 astrocytomas (7%)
All physicians had long careers in active interventional practice before diagnosis.
Key figures: latency 12 to 32 years, mean 23.5 ± 5.9

Limits to keep in mind

Voluntarily reported case series with no comparison group, no denominator and no individual dose data, so incidence and causation cannot be established. Data came partly from interviews with family or colleagues, and the series is open to reporting bias.

Brain and Neck Tumors among Physicians Performing Interventional Procedures; American Journal of Cardiology (2013, Case report or series)
SCAI Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards (2020, Guideline or consensus statement)
Brain malignancies and ionising radiation: more cases reported (2012, Case report or series)
Brain tumours among interventional cardiologists: a cause for alarm? (2012, Case report or series)
Radiation exposure in interventional cardiology: a narrative review of health effects and novel approaches to ensure radiation safety (2025, Narrative review)

How this summary was made

ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from the abstract of the paper. A program then checked that the passage supporting each finding appears word for word in that source. A person has not yet reviewed each summary, so read the original before relying on a number. ORSIF summarizes research and does not endorse any product or company. Report a problem with this summary.

Prepared November 3, 2026.