Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine is a recognized medical specialty that uses imaging techniques that give doctors a unique view of your body’s internal structure and function and enable them to treat certain medical conditions. Nuclear medicine scans allow nuclear medicine specialists to see function, as well as structure, to determine if organs are operating normally, blood is flowing properly, the body is absorbing vitamins, and performing other normal functions. It can also detect bone density and identify the sites of seizures and other brain conditions.
What makes nuclear medicine different from other imaging techniques is that the cameras detect radiation coming from inside the body instead of exposing your body to radiation from an outside source. Before undergoing a scan, you’ll receive a small dose of radioactive material (radiopharmaceutical) through an injection or by swallowing or inhaling. The type of material you receive depends on the test, but all are tested and FDA approved for safety.
Our Health Information Library offers in-depth information on the various types of nuclear medicine scans, including why they’re done, how to prepare, what to expect and what the test results will show. The information is broken out by types of scans and areas of the body:
Therapeutic Uses
In addition to helping doctors diagnose diseases and conditions, nuclear medicine is used to deliver treatments conditions that include radioactive iodine for hyperthyroidism. It can also be used in treating lymphoma and for relieving pain associated with bone cancer.
Talk to Your Doctor
We hope this information helps you gain a better understanding of the nuclear medicine scans and procedures. In addition, we encourage you to talk to your doctor and nuclear medicine specialist about any questions or concerns you have about your scan or treatment.