using radiation in medicine

• How can ionizing radiation damage cells?


  By ionizing the atoms and molecules within them
• What is the major problem caused by ionizing radiation in cells?


  It can mutate our DNA, potentially leading to cancer
• What happens to cells that receive a large enough dose of radiation?


  They can be killed off completely
• What condition can result from receiving large doses of radiation across the entire body?

  Radiation sickness
• What are some symptoms of radiation sickness?


  Vomiting, tiredness, and hair loss
• How can doctors use radiation beneficially?


  To destroy unwanted cells like cancer cells
• What is radiotherapy?


  A process that uses radiation to treat cancer
• What are the two main methods of delivering radiation in radiotherapy?


  Externally and internally
• How do external sources of radiation work in radiotherapy?


  They emit gamma rays targeted at the cancer site from different angles
• What is the internal method of delivering radiation in radiotherapy?


  Placing a radioactive source inside or next to the cancer
• What type of radiation is usually used in the internal method of radiotherapy?

  Beta radiation
• What is a downside of both external and internal radiation techniques?


  They can damage or kill healthy cells
• What are medical tracers used for?


  To track the movement of radioactive isotopes in the body
• How can radioactive isotopes be introduced into the body for medical tracers?


  By injecting or swallowing them
• Why do we use gamma rays for medical tracers?


  Because they are less harmful than alpha or beta radiation
• What is the preferred characteristic of isotopes used in medical tracers?


  They should have a short half-life
• Why is it important to minimize the risk when using medical tracers?


  To ensure that the radiation is not harmful
• What is the benefit of using medical tracers in diagnosing diseases?


  They can help diagnose diseases effectively
• Why might some patients choose not to undergo radiotherapy?


  If it will only extend their life by a short period
• What are the key points regarding the risks and benefits of using radiation in medicine?

  • Radiation can be harmful and cause cancer.
  • It can also be used to treat cancer (radiotherapy).
  • Medical tracers help diagnose diseases.
  • Risks must be weighed against benefits.
  • Low doses and short half-lives are preferred.
• What are the side effects of radiotherapy?


  • Damage to healthy cells
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Hair loss
• What is the process of using iodine-131 as a medical tracer?

  1. Iodine-131 is administered (injected or swallowed).
  2. It emits gamma radiation.
  3. The absorption by the thyroid gland is monitored.
  4. Proper functioning of the thyroid can be assessed.