Nuclear Radiation in Medicine

• What are the two main uses of nuclear radiation in medicine mentioned?

  Exploring internal organs and destroying unwanted tissue
• What is a radioactive tracer used for?

  To explore internal organs
• How does a radioactive tracer help in diagnosing thyroid issues?

  It checks iodine absorption in the thyroid
• What happens if a scan shows abnormal iodine absorption in the thyroid?

  The doctor can diagnose the patient's condition
• What type of radiation do bone scans typically use?

  Gamma radiation
• What can bone scans detect?

  Damage from arthritis or tumors
• What are the requirements for a radioactive tracer?

  Must emit detectable radiation and not be strongly ionizing
• Why are alpha emitters not used as tracers?

  Alpha particles cannot pass out of the body
• What is a key characteristic of a good radioactive tracer regarding its half-life?

  It must have a short half-life
• Why are isotopes with long half-lives not good tracers?

  They continue to decay and cause damage
• What is radiotherapy used for?

  To destroy certain cancers
• What is a potential downside of radiotherapy?

  Healthy tissue may also be damaged
• How does internal radiation treatment differ from external radiation treatment?

  Internal treatment targets tumors more precisely
• What is the benefit of inserting radioactive rods into the body?

  Less damage to healthy tissue
• What should students remember about radioactive isotopes in medicine?

  They are commonly used for various medical applications
• What are the key considerations when using radioactive tracers in medicine?

  • Emit detectable radiation (gamma or beta)
  • Not strongly ionizing to minimize tissue damage
  • Must not decay into another radioactive isotope
  • Should have a short half-life
• What are the differences between external and internal radiation treatments?

  External Radiation:

  • Source outside the body
  • Can damage healthy tissue

  
  

  Internal Radiation:

  • Source placed inside the body
  • More precise targeting of tumors
  • Less damage to healthy tissue