Radioactive substances known as radioisotopes, radiotracers, or radiopharmaceuticals (technetium, thallium, gallium, xenon, iodine, fluorine, etc.) are employed in both diagnostic and therapeutic operations in nuclear medicine, which is an advanced, specialised, and trustworthy field of radiology.

Nuclear medicine, sometimes known as "radiology done inside out" or "endoradiology," aims to slow the growth of tumours such as lymphomas, hematomas, and malignancies of the thyroid gland. This cutting-edge medical specialty gives nuclear medicine specialists and oncologists the knowledge they need to determine the best course of treatment, even as minute amounts of radioactive materials are "taken up" and released within the body to lay down a detailed view of the functioning of the organs, the growth of cancer cells, tissues, and structure.

Advantages
Well, advanced techniques in nuclear medicine came as a shot in the arm for treating even the toughest of cancers.

Diagnosis of Cancer:
Getting a proper diagnosis is one of the most important things to do if you have any reason to suspect cancer or tumour growth. This can be done by using radiology tests and comparing the results to blood testing. Nuclear medicine functions similarly to an X-ray, however instead of passing x-rays through the body to obtain images, the latter uses radiotracers in this cutting-edge approach to produce images with the use of specialised cameras that provide insight into internal bodily processes.
The majority of the time, radiotracers are administered intravenously; however, they may also be administered orally as a tablet or as a gas. Based on metabolism and other chemical activities, these tracers build up and emit gamma rays that can be used to identify the areas of strong activity.

A tumour is present if significant levels of radiation accumulate and project as "hot spots" on the picture. Cancer growth can, however, alternatively manifest as a "cold spot" with less cellular activity while still being a tumour.

PET/CT
PET, also known as Positron Emission Tomography or computed tomography, is a crucial tool for identifying tumours since it involves intravenously injecting a small amount of a radioactive tracer into the body. A "dye" or contrast substance injection may be requested by the specialist oncologist in some circumstances in order to obtain multiple three-dimensional images.
The best diagnostic method is frequently a PET/CT combo since it can determine the viability of tissues as well as if cancer has spread to other organs, how well treatment is working, and whether cancer has gone into remission.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will I be radioactive after a nuclear medicine scan?

The nuclear imaging agent injected into the body gets decayed naturally and flushed out of the system completely within 60 hours through urine or stool. Drinking lots of water helps in losing the radioactive agent at a faster pace.

2. Are nuclear medicine tests safe?

Yes. Nuclear medicine tests and treatment procedures are absolutely safe. A carefully picked up radioactive tracer and sparse doses of radioactive substances injected into the body provide accurate results. In other words, it is as safe as a diagnostic X-ray.

3. Does nuclear medicine have side effects?

Nuclear medicine doesn’t cause any particular side effects. Few allergic reactions, which are extremely mild, are reported rarely in certain patients. One shall not experience any adverse side effects post diagnostic or treatment procedures.

4. Are nuclear medicine scans painful?

Nuclear medicine scans are non-invasive procedures and are painless. One might experience a mild prick while getting injected with radioactive material and it won’t persist for more than 5 to 10 seconds.

5. Can pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers undergo nuclear medicine scans?

Nuclear scans are contraindicated in pregnant women.

The lactating mothers should stop feeding the baby for a day or two, as radioactive material can still pass on to the baby via breast milk.

6. How long does a nuclear medicine scan take?

It takes up to 30 to 60 minutes for a detailed nuclear medicine scan. In case of bone-related diagnosis, it can take up to 2 to 3 hours as the bones would require more time for the radioactive material to get absorbed. The scan will take about an hour.

7. How long will it take for me to receive my nuclear medicine scans?

It takes up to 30 to 60 minutes for a detailed nuclear medicine scan. In case of bone-related diagnosis, it can take up to 2 to 3 hours as the bones would require more time for the radioactive material to get absorbed. The scan will take about an hour.

The results will take up to 24 – 48 hours.

8. Is it ok to be around children after my nuclear scan?

Yes. You can be around pregnant women and children post the nuclear scan. However, avoid sleeping next to a pregnant woman or a child on the night of the scan and wait till the next morning for the radioactive substance to completely leave the body.

9. Is radioactive iodine therapy safe?

RAI or Radioactive Iodine Therapy is a completely safe, reliable treatment plan recommended in certain types of thyroid cancers.

10. Are there any long-term side effects associated with radioactive iodine therapy?

In certain patients, the long-term side effects associated with radioactive iodine therapy include infertility, fatigue, dry or watery eyes, swelling of the salivary glands, low blood count. These side effects will not last for long and the patient will be back to normal within a few weeks after completion of the treatment.

11. How long does it take for the radioactive iodine therapy to work?

It may take up to 1 to 3 months for the radioactive iodine therapy to work and the results may last for six months. However, few patients might require it for every three months, till thyroid cancer gets cured completely.