Radioisotopes are atoms that have an unstable nucleus, meaning that they emit radiation as they decay into more stable forms. They can be found in nature or created in a laboratory.
Radioisotopes have various medical applications, including diagnosis, treatment, and research. They can be injected, ingested, or inhaled to visualize and track biological processes in the body, destroy cancer cells, and study the effects of drugs on different tissues.
Nuclear medicine is a branch of medicine that uses small amounts of radioactive materials, known as radiopharmaceuticals, to diagnose and treat diseases. It involves the use of imaging techniques, such as PET scans and SPECT scans, to detect and monitor various medical conditions.
Some commonly used radioisotopes in medicine include technetium-99m, iodine-131, and cobalt-60. Technetium-99m is used in over 80% of diagnostic procedures, while iodine-131 is commonly used in thyroid cancer treatment. Cobalt-60 is used in radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells.
The use of radioisotopes in medicine has many benefits, such as providing a non-invasive way to diagnose and treat diseases, as well as aiding in medical research. However, there are also potential risks, such as radiation exposure and potential side effects from the radiopharmaceuticals. These risks are carefully monitored and minimized by medical professionals.