1

Nuclear Medicine

Student’s Name

Institution

Course

Tutor

Date
 2

Nuclear Medicine

The medical discipline of nuclear medicine uses radioactivity for imaging, diagnosis, and

treatment. The paper discusses the application of nuclear medicine.

Type of Radiation in Nuclear Medicine

Healthcare professionals exploit Gamma radiation in nuclear medicine operations.

According to Karmaker et al. (2021), it comprises high-energy photons released from the atomic

nucleus. They frequently employ gamma radiation because it can pass through the body and is

visible from the outside. As such, it enables non-invasive imaging and accurate diagnosis of

various medical disorders (Karmaker et al., 2021). The released gamma rays offer essential

details on the location and operation of particular organs and tissues, assisting in the early

diagnosis and ongoing surveillance of illnesses.

Preparing Patients for Nuclear Medicine

The first step is fasting. However, research shows that it depends on the type of

procedure and may occur overnight before the test (Camoni et al., 2023). Secondly, the

healthcare provider adjusts medication. The process helps them stop certain drugs, especially

those that can affect test findings or the uptake of radioactive tracers. Changing medication

occurs in "patients in 23% of the warnings generated by a clinical rule” (Alahmari et al., 2022, p.

9). Hydration is another procedure. It involves taking water to ease tracer distribution and reduce

radiation exposure to healthy tissues (Camoni et al., 2023). The professionals also consider

safety measures that protect the patient and staff from radiation exposure.

Advantages and Limitations of Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine enables early disease identification. It offers valuable functional

information and permits non-invasive procedures that lower surgical risks and assist
 3

individualized therapies. However, it has drawbacks, too, such as higher prices compared to

some alternative imaging techniques, radiation exposure, a lack of anatomical detail in imaging,

and unpredictable availability in healthcare facilities (Alahmari et al., 2022). Thus, the choice to

use nuclear medicine should balance these benefits against the corresponding limitations while

factoring in each patient's unique demands and circumstances.

Ailments Diagnosed and Treated Via Nuclear Medicine

Cancer diagnosis and treatment is one of the diseases that utilize nuclear medicine.

Professionals use it to locate tumors and their activities and monitor treatment (Vaz et al., 2020).

They also use it in Cardiovascular conditions. Vaz et al. (2020) observe that nuclear medicine

facilitates blood flow, heart function, and coronary disease evaluation and identification. It also

helps when addressing thyroid disorders. In this case, doctors diagnose and manage thyroid

cancer and hyperthyroidism (Camoni et al., 2023). They use the thyroid blockade process.

Application of Nuclear Medicine in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scans

Practitioners apply nuclear medicine in "Positron Emission Tomography” (PET) scans

are an everyday use of nuclear medicine. First, they (subcutaneously) inject a radioactive

(radiotracer) into the patient during PET imaging (Vaz et al., 2020). This radiotracer produces

positrons interacting with the body's electrons to create gamma rays. Specialized detectors pick

these gamma rays to produce finely detailed 3D images of organ metabolism (Tashima et al.,

2020). Secondly, in oncology, PET scans are crucial for cancer staging, tracking therapy

outcomes, and identifying malignant tumors. Thirdly, they support more accurate diagnoses and

therapy planning in cardiology by evaluating blood flow and spotting damaged cardiac tissue.
 4

Nuclear Medicine Therapy Using Radiopharmaceuticals

Radiopharmaceuticals, radioactive compounds that selectively target and kill particular

sick tissues, including cancer cells or hyperactive thyroid tissue, are applicable in nuclear

medicine therapy. Hope et al. (2020) note that the internal delivery of concentrated radiation

during this procedure (radionuclide therapy) minimizes damage to healthy cells. Examples

include radioiodine therapy for thyroid conditions and radioimmunotherapy for particular

tumors. It is a valuable tool in contemporary medical practice because it provides a focused and

efficient approach (Hope et al., 2020). Its application is beneficial when conventional treatments

have limitations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, nuclear medicine is a flexible and essential sector of contemporary

medicine with valuable diagnostic information and therapy choices for various medical

disorders. Despite its drawbacks, it is vital for improving patient care and medication outcomes

because it can deliver functional information and tailored treatments.

 5

References

Alahmari, A. R., Alrabghi, K. K., & Dighriri, I. M. (2022). An Overview of the Current State

and Perspectives of Pharmacy Robot and Medication Dispensing

Technology. Cureus, 14(8), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.28642

Camoni, L., Santos, A., Luporsi, M., Grilo, A., Pietrzak, A., Gear, J., Zucchetta, P., & Bar-Sever,

Z. (2023). EANM procedural recommendations for managing the paediatric patient in

diagnostic nuclear medicine. European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular

Imaging, 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-023-06357-3

Hope, T. A., Bodei, L., Chan, J. A., El-Haddad, G., Fidelman, N., Kunz, P. L., Mailman, J.,

Menda, Y., Metz, D. C., Mittra, E. S., & Strosberg, J. R. (2020). NANETS/SNMMI

consensus statement on patient selection and appropriate use of 177Lu-DOTATATE

peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. Journal of Nuclear Medicine, 61(2), 222-227.

https://doi.org/10.2967/jnumed.119.240911

Karmaker, N., Maraz, K. M., Islam, F., Haque, M. M., Razzak, M., Mollah, M. Z. I., Faruque,

M. R. I., & Khan, R. A. (2021). Fundamental characteristics and application of

radiation. GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, 7(1), 064-072.

https://doi.org/10.30574/gscarr.2021.7.1.0043

Tashima, H., Yoshida, E., Wakizaka, H., Takahashi, M., Nagatsu, K., Tsuji, A. B., Kamada, K.,

Parodi, K., & Yamaya, T. (2020). 3D Compton image reconstruction method for whole

gamma imaging. Physics in Medicine & Biology, 65(22), 1-16.

https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6560/abb92e
 6

Vaz, S. C., Oliveira, F., Herrmann, K., & Veit-Haibach, P. (2020). Nuclear medicine and

molecular imaging advances in the 21st century. The British Journal of

Radiology, 93(1110), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1259/bjr.20200095