Isotopes in medicine

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Isotopes in Medicine

Isotopes in medicine (pronounced: ahy-suh-tohps in med-i-sin) are types of atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. They are used in various medical applications, particularly in the field of nuclear medicine and radiology.

Etymology

The term "isotope" is derived from the Greek words "isos" meaning "equal" and "topos" meaning "place", referring to the fact that isotopes occupy the same place on the Periodic Table. The term "medicine" is derived from the Latin "medicina", meaning "the healing art".

Usage in Medicine

Isotopes are used in medicine in two main ways: for diagnostic purposes and for treatment.

Diagnostic isotopes, such as Technetium-99m, are used to create images of the inside of the body. These isotopes emit gamma rays that can be detected by a gamma camera, creating an image of the area of the body where the isotope is located.

Therapeutic isotopes, such as Iodine-131, are used to treat diseases. These isotopes emit radiation that can kill cells, making them useful for treating conditions such as thyroid cancer.

Related Terms

  • Radioisotope: An isotope that is radioactive.
  • Radiopharmaceutical: A drug that contains a radioactive substance.
  • Radiation therapy: A treatment method that uses radiation to kill cancer cells.
  • Nuclear medicine: A medical specialty that uses radioactive substances in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
  • Radiology: The medical specialty that uses medical imaging to diagnose and treat diseases.

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