Scientific and Technical Concepts Related to Nuclear Medicine (Essay Sample)

Nuclear Medicine
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Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine is used in various medical fields to diagnose and treat specific ailments. Nuclear medicine imaging incorporates multiple disciplines, such as physics, chemistry, computer technology, mathematics, and medicine. Nuclear medicine is specially used to detect and treat malignant and nonmalignant tumors, such as thyroid and breast cancers, at their earliest forms and stages (Salvatori & Lucignani, 2010). Small quantities of radiotracers, which are either inhaled, swallowed, or injected into the body, are exploited in most nuclear medicine procedures. The radiotracers produce gamma rays easily detected by specialized cameras and computers to project the image of the body part under examination.
Physicians must observe various protocols before exposing patients to nuclear medicine. For instance, patients must reveal any preexisting medical condition before undergoing nuclear medicine therapy (Salvatori & Lucignani, 2010). Women also take a pregnancy test to ascertain their pregnancy status. Similarly, breastfeeding mothers should disclose such information since radioactive rays harm infants. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercises 24 hours before the exam, avoid taking too much sugar, and not eat any food six hours before the diagnosis (Fahey et al., 2011). For thyroid