Nuclear Medicine
Illuminating Diagnosis
With Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine is a specialized
field of medical imaging and treatment that uses small amounts of radioactive
materials to screen, diagnose, and treat numerous medical conditions. It
leverages nuclear technology to provide crucial insights into the functioning
and structure of the organs, tissues, and detailed insight into the cellular
functions inside the body. During the procedure, a small radioactive material
is injected into the patient's body which emits gamma rays that are then
detected by the gamma camera or a PET scanner. Nuclear medicine plays a very
crucial role in cancer screening and diagnosis as it helps in visualizing the
location, size, and malignancy.
Overview of the Key Aspects of Nuclear Medicine
Types of Imaging:
Nuclear medicine offers varied
imaging techniques such as Single Photon Emission Computed Emission Tomography
(SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET). SPECT generates 3D images of
the radioactive tracer that has been distributed within the body and is majorly
used to understand the problems and abnormalities in functioning of heart,
bones, and certain cancers. PET scan utilizes positron emitting tracers to
create superimposing images of the metabolic processes of the body and is used
for detecting of cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.
Procedure:
●
Before the procedure begins, patients must inform their
healthcare provider of any allergies, medications, previous procedures they’ve
had.
●
Based on the type of scans required, patients may
advised to fast or drink water to stay hydrated.
●
A radioactive tracer is prepared based on the type of
scan required and then radioactive tracer is injected into the patient’s vein.
●
The radiopharmaceutical then travels to the target
organ and accumulates based on the abnormalities. This might take some time
depending on the tracer used and the target area being examined.
●
After the uptake period is completed, the patient is
then made to lie on the examination table.
●
A gamma camera or PET scanner will be positioned and
used to capture images of the patient’s body to determine the distribution of
the radioactive tracer in the body.
●
The imaging machine will then rotate and capture images
from all angles for better analysis.
●
Patients may be advised to stay still to avoid any
blurry or complicated imaging.
●
Nuclear medicine expert or radiologist will then
analyze the images to determine and evaluate the functioning and structure of
the internal organs and tissues.
Benefits:
●
Relatively quick, painless, and non-invasive
●
Less side effects as the radiation dose is controlled
and the radioactive material diminished rapidly
●
Can detect diseases in early stages allowing timely
intervention and treatment
●
Complements imaging techniques such as MRI and CT
●
Enables implementation of personalized treatment
approaches
●
Helpful in cancer staging and determining the response
to cancer treatment
●
Helpful in heart function and bone health assessment
●
Can easily identify neurological disorders, thyroid
disorders, and metabolic disorders
It is important for patients to
let their healthcare provider know if they are pregnant or might be pregnant
owing to the radiation exposure. Provide healthcare providers with complete
information about the medical history including previous surgeries,
medications, or any medical conditions that might be aggravated due to this
procedure.
