Nuclear Oncology

Posts Tagged ‘radioactive isotopes’

What are isotopes?

Isotopes are variations of common chemicals (chlorine, sodium, technetium, etc.) Which varies the number of neutrons (a part of the chemical element).

These isotopes can be stable, ie not emit radiation or radioactive, ie, they emit radiation, this radiation can be electromagnetic radiation like gamma emissions of particles like alpha and beta.

The radioisotopes used in medicine are usually artificial and come from nuclear reactions.

Radioisotopes used in nuclear medicine and are selected so that, according to their characteristics follow a specific biochemical pathway, looking at different structures where, in connection with the issuance of its radiation can be detected.

Why are administered via radioisotopes?

The administration of these radiopharmaceuticals can be oral, intravenous, intracavitary (ie abdominal) but the most common form is the oral and intravenous.

What is Nuclear Medicine?
Nuclear medicine is a variant of diagnostic imaging tests based on radioactive isotopes.

What are the applications in medicine determinations of radiation of radioisotopes in Nuclear Medicine?
There are many applications both in oncology and in other specialties and to have an idea of both the metabolism or activity of the radioisotope and the location thereof.

The key to Nuclear Medicine is to select the best for radioisotope uptake in the area of the body we want to measure, ie it is not what we want to know it is working particular brain area or an area of the heart has been afuncionante after infarction. Therefore, although the mechanics of the test is the same, both the isotopes and their interpretation by nuclear medicine physicians is not the same.

Do you run a risk with these substances in the body?
It is also important to note that radiation is produced in nuclear medicine tests is a very short half life so you do not usually endanger or the person performing the test or their families or significant others. If it is important for being pregnant, discuss with your doctor first who will inform about the risks of getting tested for Nuclear Medicine.

What is the most common in Nuclear Medicine?
The scan is the main test in nuclear medicine, and therefore treated as single theme in this set of issues about diagnostic tests.