Isotopes Impact On The Medical And Oncology Field

The use of isotopes has tremendously impacted the medical and oncology field and can be used for the detection and treatment of cancer. Isotopes are versions of an element that have an equal number of protons, but an unequal number of neutrons; thus making the atoms radioactive and able to emit alpha, beta, and gamma rays. In the diagnosis of types of cancer, the injection of isotopes can radiate these rays, which can be detected by special equipment to track their location and how they move. Isotopes are not only good for detecting diseased cells, but destroying them as well. The energy that is given off of the isotopes, when delivered to cancer cells, can avoid harming healthy tissues and just eliminate the diseased cells. Although isotopes may seem like the cure-all for cancer, there are risks for using radioactive substances in the body. If the isotopes are not stored properly many problems can occur. The incorrect storage of isotopes that are used on a human can lead to health problems, including cancer cells and tumors, and can damage healthy tissues when used. If the dose of the isotope is too high for the person, the damage can be

Isotopes can be used for the treatment of previously “incurable” diseases. Medical isotopes can be used for more than just cancer. Cardiovascular disease has been proved to be affected by isotopes. They effectively prevent the clogging of arteries when used in conjunction with angioplasty. In Europe, rheumatoid arthritis is commonly treated with the use of injecting medical isotopes. Also, at the basic research level, medical isotopes have been shown to kill life-threatening disease such as, HIV/AIDS. The risk of dying can be seen as okay to some people who have life-threatening diseases. If the patients know that they have a fatal disease, they may opt to go under radioisotope treatment since they know they will