Q. Is radiotherapy a part of nuclear medicine?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Yes, radiotherapy is a part of nuclear medicine. Nuclear medicine is an area of medical science that involves the use of radioactive substances and radiation to diagnose illnesses and treat diseases. Radiotherapy is a type of treatment for cancer and other medical conditions which uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing. The radiation beam can either be delivered externally or internally depending on the patient's condition.
Radiotherapy works by damaging the DNA inside cancerous cells, making it impossible for them to grow or divide. The healthy surrounding tissue is usually left unharmed as it has methods in place to repair itself after being exposed to radiation, while cancerous cells cannot do this due to their damaged DNA. This makes radiotherapy an effective form of treatment when used correctly, as it targets only the problematic areas in order to minimize any negative side effects on other parts of the body
Related Questions
-
Breast Surgery How does a double mastectomy affect your self-imag
-
How long do breast implants typically last before they need to be replaced? | Secondmedic
-
Can I still wear a regular bra after a mastectomy, or do I need special bras? | Secondmedic
-
What diagnostic tests are used to evaluate armpit lumps? | Secondmedic
-
Breast Surgery Where can I buy pills for breast reduction?