What is Nuclear Medicine Treatment?
It is a branch of medicine that includes radioactive substances used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. It is a branch of medicine that includes radioactive substances used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Nuclear Medicine Treatment plays an effective role in the diagnosis and monitoring of various diseases such as cancer, heart and other serious conditions.
How Many Hours Does Nuclear Medicine Treatment Take?
The duration of nuclear medicine treatments varies depending on the method applied and the patient's condition. While most treatments are performed within a few hours, it takes longer to monitor the patient and evaluate the results. Radioactive Iodine Treatment is completed with radioactive iodine taken orally at one time. The process takes several hours. However, the patient must stay in the hospital for a few days until the radioactivity level becomes safe.
Treatment for metastatic bone cancer is completed within an hour. However, the effect of the treatment is evaluated after a few days or weeks. After the radioactive material is injected, it is allowed to circulate in the patient's body for one hour. The imaging process takes between 30 and 60 minutes. Postoperative monitoring is critical for patient safety and treatment effectiveness. Patients are usually kept under observation in the hospital until radioactivity levels normalize. Follow-up appointments are also necessary to monitor the long-term effects of treatment.
Nuclear Medicine Treatment Methods
Therapy is an advanced medical practice used to diagnose and treat various diseases. These methods are used to evaluate and treat a variety of conditions. Radioactive iodine therapy is used to treat thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism. The patient is given radioactive iodine orally. This iodine travels to the thyroid gland and destroys abnormal thyroid cells.
Radioimmunotherapy is especially preferred in lymphoma and some blood cancers. Antibodies labeled with radioactive substances bind to cancer cells and destroy them. Bone pain palliation is used for pain control in cancer patients with bone metastases. Radioactive substances are directed to aching bones. It acts effectively against cancer cells there.
Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy is used for types of cancer that have specific peptide receptors. Radiolabeled peptides bind to receptors on cancer cells and destroy them. Treatments are fast and can be completed within a few hours. The treatment is known for being effective in early diagnosis of diseases and treatment approaches. However, since it carries potential risks, monitoring is required in its implementation.
After Nuclear Medicine Treatment
Nuclear Medicine Treatment is an advanced technological method used to diagnose and treat diseases. Patients require careful monitoring to improve the quality of recovery and the effectiveness of treatment. Patients are kept under surveillance until the radioactive substance levels are safe. This period varies depending on the type and dose of radioactive material used.
It may cause side effects such as nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and temporary blood cell changes. These side effects vary depending on treatment and individual tolerance. Patients may take medications and supportive treatments to manage these side effects. Thyroid patients receiving radioactive iodine therapy may follow a diet low in iodine. This is important to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
After treatment, patients limit their physical contact with people to minimize radiation exposure. Patients are advised to detect effects and continues follow-ups to evaluate its success. This often includes blood tests, imaging studies, and physical exams.
