säteilylääketieteessä

Säteilylääketieteessä is the Finnish term for radiation medicine or medical radiology. It is a medical specialty that uses various forms of ionizing radiation to diagnose and treat diseases. This field encompasses diagnostic imaging techniques and radiation therapy for cancer treatment.

Diagnostic radiology utilizes technologies such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and nuclear medicine to visualize the internal structures of the body. These images help physicians identify abnormalities, assess the extent of disease, and guide treatment decisions. Nuclear medicine, a subspecialty, uses radioactive substances (radiopharmaceuticals) to evaluate organ function and detect diseases like cancer and heart conditions.

Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy or therapeutic radiology, is a primary treatment modality for cancer. It involves the precise delivery of high-energy radiation to malignant tumors, aiming to damage cancer cells and inhibit their growth or destroy them. Radiation therapy can be delivered externally, using machines like linear accelerators, or internally, through brachytherapy, where radioactive sources are placed directly within or near the tumor.

Säteilylääketieteessä professionals, including radiologists and radiation oncologists, work closely with other medical specialists to provide comprehensive patient care. The field is constantly evolving with advancements in technology, leading to improved imaging resolution, more targeted radiation delivery, and reduced side effects for patients. It plays a crucial role in modern healthcare for both diagnosis and treatment.