Radiation exposure is unavoidable in nuclear medicine.

The fear of "radiation" has become a major concern for many when it comes to screening and treatment, but this concern is often based on myths and misconceptions.

Are Nuclear Medicine Scans Safe?

Do patients undergoing nuclear medicine transmit radiation to others?

This question often worries patients and their families. However, nuclear medicine scans are designed with safety as a top priority.

What about pregnant women or children?

Even for these sensitive groups, the risks are minimal when proper precautions are followed.

Dr. Tan Teik Hin, Consultant Nuclear Medicine Physician at Sunway Medical Centre, explains that radiation in nuclear medicine is very different from the harmful radiation associated with atomic bombs or nuclear plant leaks.

Understanding Nuclear Medicine Scans

What is a nuclear medicine scan?

Dr. Tan describes it as an imaging procedure that uses a small amount of radioactive material introduced into the body to produce detailed images. These scans, such as PET/CT, are comparable to other diagnostic tools like X-rays and CT scans.

Are the radioactive substances safe?

Unlike the radiation from nuclear disasters, the substances used in these scans are of lower energy and shorter life spans. They are safe, and their use is strictly regulated by the Ministry of Health.

Debunking the Myth of Nuclear Phobia

Dr. Tan highlights that public fear of anything "nuclear" stems from its association with catastrophic events. This fear, unfortunately, extends to nuclear medicine, even among medical professionals unfamiliar with the field.

How is nuclear medicine beneficial?

Beyond diagnostics, radiation is widely used for sterilization of medical supplies, proving its safety and versatility.

Cancers Diagnosed with Nuclear Medicine

Why choose PET/CT scans?

Dear Lykkers, these scans can detect cancers at early stages, assess disease recurrence, and monitor treatment responses. Common examples include FDG PET/CT for various cancers and Ga-68DOTATATE or Ga-68PSMA for specific tumor types.

What about radionuclide therapy?

This advanced treatment targets cancers like thyroid, neuroendocrine, and prostate tumors, offering a precise alternative to conventional therapies.

Balancing Risk and Necessity

How much radiation is safe?

Dr. Tan emphasizes that clinical practice adheres to the principle of minimizing radiation exposure. Scans are only recommended when necessary to optimize treatment outcomes.

Can scans affect unborn children?

Studies show that fetal radiation doses from these scans remain well within safe limits, making them unlikely to pose risks.

Safety Measures in Nuclear Medicine

Strict protocols ensure patient and staff safety at nuclear medicine centers. Radiation from scans like PET/CT dissipates quickly, often returning to normal levels within hours.

What about treatment-related radiation?

Residual radiation from treatments is carefully managed under stringent international guidelines.

Nuclear medicine is a vital tool in modern healthcare, offering unparalleled precision in diagnosing and treating complex conditions. With strict safety standards in place, patients can confidently benefit from its advancements without undue worry about radiation exposure.