NUCLEAR MEDICINE
OVERVIEW
Nuclear medicine is a subspecialty of medical imaging that uses radioactive materials and special imaging techniques to study both the structure and function of organs and other tissues inside the body. It allows your physician to obtain the information they need before needing to resort to a more costly or invasive procedure. The versatility of this specialty makes it valuable in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of: cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders and a variety of other medical conditions.
For a typical Nuclear Medicine exam, you are given a small amount of radioactive material as an injection into a vein or swallow it in the form of a pill. This material collects in the area of concern, where it releases energy in the form of gamma radiation. A gamma camera then detects that energy and uses it to create the images and information your physician will need to determine if the organ or structure being examined is working as it should.
What to Expect during A PET Exam
Patient Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, nuclear medicine is considered very safe. The amount of radioactive material used is extremely small and carefully controlled. The radiation exposure is comparable to or less than what you would receive from other common diagnostic tests like CT scans. The radioactive material leaves your body naturally within a few hours to a few days. However, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to inform your doctor, as special precautions may be necessary.
While X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs primarily show the structure and anatomy of your organs, nuclear medicine provides unique information about how your organs and tissues are functioning at a cellular level. This makes nuclear medicine particularly valuable for detecting diseases in their early stages, often before structural changes become visible on other imaging tests. Nuclear medicine can identify cancer spread, heart function problems, and metabolic disorders that other imaging may miss.
Nuclear medicine is versatile and can diagnose a wide range of conditions including various types of cancer and cancer metastasis, heart disease and cardiac function problems, thyroid disorders, bone diseases and fractures, kidney and liver function issues, neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, gastrointestinal problems, and infections or inflammation throughout the body.
Preparation varies depending on the specific type of exam you’re having. Generally, you may be asked to fast for several hours before certain procedures, avoid caffeine or specific medications, wear comfortable clothing without metal fasteners, and arrive well-hydrated. Your doctor or the imaging center will provide you with specific instructions tailored to your particular exam. Always inform your doctor about any medications you’re taking, allergies, and if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.