Nukleäärmedisiiniset

Nukleäärmedisiiniset refers to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that utilize radioactive isotopes, also known as radiopharmaceuticals. These substances are introduced into the body, either ingested, inhaled, or injected, and are designed to accumulate in specific organs or tissues. Their radioactive nature allows them to be detected by specialized imaging equipment, such as gamma cameras or PET scanners, which then create images showing the distribution and function of the targeted area. This provides valuable information about disease processes that may not be visible with other imaging techniques.

In diagnostic nuclear medicine, the radiopharmaceuticals emit gamma rays that are captured by the scanner. The resulting images, called scintigrams or SPECT scans, can reveal abnormalities in organ function or blood flow. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) uses radiopharmaceuticals that emit positrons, which interact with electrons in the body to produce gamma rays that are detected by the PET scanner. PET imaging is particularly useful for detecting metabolic changes associated with diseases like cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders.

Therapeutic nuclear medicine, also known as radionuclide therapy, uses radioactive isotopes that emit beta particles or alpha particles. These particles have a short range and deliver radiation directly to targeted cells, effectively destroying them. This approach is commonly used to treat conditions such as hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, and certain types of bone cancer. The specific radiopharmaceutical and dosage are carefully chosen to maximize the therapeutic effect while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Nuclear medicine plays a crucial role in modern healthcare, offering unique insights into disease at a cellular level and providing targeted treatment options.