Medical Applications of Radiation

Question 1

Why is radiation used in medicine

Answer 1

Rapidly dividing cancer cells are more susceptible to radiation than healthy tissues, thus radiation is used in cancer treatment

Question 2

What is a radiopharmaceutical and describe how it works using examples (4 marks)

Answer 2

Refers to radioactive isotopes used in medicine to treat cancer. The most common radioisotope used in medicine is the gamma emitter Technetium-99 with a half life of 6hrs, which is important to prevent damage to healthy tissues. T-99 is used as a radio tracer which can be inhaled, injected or swallowed. A camera then detects any irregularities in the imagine which is used to diagnose cancer

Question 3

Why are radiopharmaceutical gamma emitters

Answer 3

As this form of radiation has enough penetrative ability to pass through the body and reach the gamma ray detector (camera)

Question 4

Why is a short half life important for radiopharmaceuticals

Answer 4

so that healthy tissues aren’t effected and the patient is not exposed unnecessary long term radiation which may cause cancer