Isotooppilääketieteeksi

Isotooppilääketieteeksi, commonly known as nuclear medicine, is a medical specialty that uses small amounts of radioactive materials, called radiopharmaceuticals, to diagnose and treat disease. These radiopharmaceuticals are introduced into the body, either by injection, swallowing, or inhalation. Once inside the body, they travel to specific organs or tissues, or they are taken up by certain cells. The emitted radiation is detected by special cameras, such as PET (positron emission tomography) or SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) scanners. These scanners create images that show the distribution of the radiopharmaceutical within the body, providing information about the function and structure of organs and tissues. This allows doctors to detect diseases at an early stage, often before symptoms appear.

In addition to diagnostic imaging, isotooppilääketieteeksi is also used for therapeutic purposes. Certain radiopharmaceuticals can be used to target and destroy diseased cells, such as cancer cells. For example, radioactive iodine is used to treat thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism. Other radiopharmaceuticals deliver radiation directly to tumors, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The field requires specialized training for physicians, technologists, and pharmacists. Safety protocols are paramount, involving careful handling of radioactive materials and adherence to strict radiation protection guidelines to minimize exposure to patients and healthcare professionals.