Uses of Nuclear Radiation in Exploration of Internal Organs and Tissue Control or Destruction
Nuclear radiation is widely used in medicine to help doctors explore internal organs, diagnose illness, treat unwanted tissue (like cancer), and sterilise medical equipment. In this tutorial, we’ll look at each of these applications in more detail.
1. Exploring Internal Organs – Medical Imaging
a. X-rays
X-rays are used to see inside the body. They are especially useful for detecting:
Bone fractures
Dislocations
Some soft tissue problems
b. CT Scans (Computed Tomography)
CT scans take multiple X-rays to create a detailed cross-sectional image of the body.
They give a clearer view of:
Soft tissues
Blood vessels
Organs (e.g. brain, lungs)
c. Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy gives real-time moving X-ray images.
It is useful for guiding procedures like:
Catheter insertion
Endoscopies
2. Exploring Metabolic Processes – Nuclear Medicine
a. Radioisotope Imaging
A small amount of a radioactive tracer (a radioisotope that emits gamma rays) is put into the body.
It collects in specific organs or areas and helps doctors:
See how organs are functioning
Detect abnormalities (e.g. in the thyroid, kidneys, or bones)
b. PET Scans (Positron Emission Tomography)
PET scans use positron-emitting tracers.
They are especially useful for:
Diagnosing cancers
Studying brain activity
Assessing heart function
3. Destroying Unwanted Tissue – Radiotherapy
a. External Beam Radiation Therapy
High-energy X-rays or gamma rays are focused directly at a tumour.
This damages the DNA of cancer cells, stopping them from growing.
b. Brachytherapy
A radioactive source is placed inside or next to a tumour.
This allows a high dose of radiation to target the cancer more precisely.
It’s often used to treat:
Prostate cancer
Cervical cancer
Breast cancer
4. Sterilising Equipment – Gamma Sterilisation
a. Gamma Radiation
Used to sterilise medical tools like:
Syringes
Gloves
Sutures
It kills bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms without the need for heat or chemicals.
Summary: Why These Uses Matter
Medical imaging (X-rays, CT, PET) allows doctors to examine the body non-invasively and diagnose problems early.
Nuclear medicine helps reveal how organs work and supports accurate diagnosis.
Radiotherapy can shrink or destroy cancerous tissue, helping to treat disease or provide relief.
Gamma sterilisation keeps equipment safe to use by eliminating infection risk.
Nuclear radiation is a powerful tool in modern healthcare. It plays a vital role in both diagnosis and treatment, improving patient outcomes and making procedures safer and more effective.
