Usage of radiation in medecine Flashcards

1
Q

What happens if we receive too much radiation

A
  • Cells are killed. We experience vomitting, tiredness and hairloss
  • DNA mutates, uncontrolled mutations leads to cancer
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2
Q

What is external radiotherapy

A
  • Gamma rays are fired at the cancer cell from different angles, all meeting up at one point (the cancer cell)
  • This means that only the cancer cell gets a high enough dosage to kill it
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3
Q

What is internal radioatherapy

A
  • Radioactive substance is placed next to or inside the cancer cell
  • Usually beta radiation as it is stronger than gamm and less penetrative (won’t harm rest of body)
  • As the substance decays, it irradiates and kills the cancer cell
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4
Q

What are some side effects of radiotherapy

A
  • Healthy cells can be damaged and / or killed
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5
Q

How is radiation used in medical tracers

A
  • We can track the mocement around the body by tracking the radiation they emit
  • Can be taken by injecting or swallowing
  • Can check if an organ is working correctly
  • Usually use gamma radiation as it is least harmful
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6
Q

What is the criteria for a substance to be used as a medical tracer

A
  • Short half-life (emits radiation for as little time as possible)
  • Low dosage (least harmful)
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