Benefits of Nuclear Medicine in Cancer Diagnosis It is true that only a few patients have little knowledge about nuclear medicine and its use in Cancer diagnosis. Others find the term ”nuclear” just scary because more often than not, it brings the thought of nuclear weapons. Nuclear medicine is, however, becoming more popular every day and a large portion of the world’s population is already cashing in on the perks that come with this form of medicine. The most interesting thing with nuclear medicine has to be the fact that it is a very effective medicine with many benefits. Yes, it has in fact been around for decades but it is more useful technological advancements that have brought it to the limelight. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about this form of medicine, from what it exactly is, its benefits, the role it plays in cancer diagnosis to the risks of using it or your treatment. What is Nuclear Medicine? Nuclear Medicine covers many branches of medicine but it is a close cousin to radiology and diagnostic. This type of medical imaging uses small quantities of radioactive materials, also known as radiotracers that are in most cases inhaled, swallowed or injected into the bloodstreams. Medical experts in this field choose from these options when diagnosing and determining the gravity of a variety of conditions including neurological disorders, cancers, and heart diseases, endocrine, gastrointestinal, among others. That said, it is worthwhile noting that there are two types of nuclear medicine: • • Diagnostic Therapeutic When is nuclear medicine used? Diagnostic procedures involve single photon and positron methods of emission tomography scans, which when combined with computerized tomography (CT) create more accurate and precise scans. So, how do these tests work? Well, radio-tracers are ingested by means of inhaling, injection or swallowing after which they accumulate in the region or part that is being examined. What makes this form of medical imaging more accurate and sophisticated is it provides in-depth molecular information and pictures when the cameras in the machines detect the radioactive emissions from the radioactive materials ingested. On the other hand, therapeutic medicine involves radioimmunotherapy and radioactive iodine therapy. The former is a combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy, the two effective procedures that blend well to target the affected regions and areas more precisely. Therapeutic procedures are applied in the treatment of thyroid gland diseases and several severe types of cancers. Benefits of nuclear medicine Nuclear medicine, radiation, immunotherapy, and other medical jargon used in these procedures may leave you wondering if nuclear medicine is dangerous. What you need to know is that the risks associated with this form of medicine are small as compared to the invaluable perks a patient can get. • • • • • These tests provide more accurate, precise and in-depth information about the anatomical and function structure of the body, something unattainable using other medical imaging procedures. These scans give the most useful data and specifics that are essential in the diagnosis and treatment of myriad diseases and several types of cancer. It is the most effective and inexpensive procedure that can be used to detect disease at its earliest stage before symptoms become visible. The scans help identify the nature of lesions, which eliminates the need to undergo surgical biopsies. Nuclear medicine procedures can be useful in planning radiotherapy. Risks of nuclear medicine Over the more than 50 years these nuclear procedures have been in use, not even a single long-term effect has been reported. However, this lowradiation exposure can result in allergic reactions. There is also a slight pain that emanates from the injection of radiotracers. Pregnant women are advised to inform their physician that they are pregnant or breastfeeding. PET Scan Mumbai-Best Diagnostic Center At PET Scan Mumbai, the Nuclear Medicine Experts in our associated centers have years of experience in the field of nuclear medicine, providing world-class care to patients from all over. They have established a firm hand on the advancement of Nuclear Medicine, using the expertise and cutting-edge technology to diagnose and treat your medical conditions. The center’s house world-class imaging equipment, such as Discovery IQ, known for the best quality imaging & intelligent quantitation, ensuring the highest level of accuracy. Get in touch to know more about the advanced technology in the field of nuclear medicine.

It is true that only a few patients have little knowledge about nuclear medicine and its use in Cancer diagnosis. Others find the term ”nuclear” just scary because more often than not, it brings the thought of nuclear weapons. Nuclear medicine is, however, becoming more popular every day and a large portion of the world’s population is already cashing in on the perks that come with this form of medicine.