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
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
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
4
Q
What are some side effects of radiotherapy
A
- Healthy cells can be damaged and / or killed
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
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)