Tuumameditsiin

Tuumameditsiin, also known as nuclear medicine, is a medical specialty that utilizes radioactive substances called radiopharmaceuticals to diagnose and treat diseases. These radiopharmaceuticals are administered to patients, typically by injection, inhalation, or ingestion. Once in the body, they concentrate in specific organs or tissues, emitting gamma rays or positrons that can be detected by specialized imaging equipment.

The most common diagnostic imaging techniques in tuumameditsiin include positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). These scans provide detailed images of physiological processes, allowing doctors to assess organ function, blood flow, and metabolic activity. This can aid in the early detection of various conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders, often before structural changes are visible on other imaging modalities.

In addition to diagnosis, tuumameditsiin plays a crucial role in therapy. Radioactive isotopes are used in targeted treatments, such as radioiodine therapy for thyroid conditions or radiopharmaceutical therapy for certain types of cancer. In these treatments, the radiopharmaceutical delivers a dose of radiation directly to diseased cells, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The choice of radiopharmaceutical and its dosage are carefully determined based on the specific medical condition and the individual patient's needs. Tuumameditsiin requires specialized training for medical professionals and adherence to strict safety protocols due to the use of radioactive materials.