Definition & Meaning of "nuclear medicine"

What is "nuclear medicine"?

Nuclear medicine is a branch of healthcare that uses small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose and treat diseases. In nuclear medicine diagnosis, patients are given a small dose of a radioactive substance, which then travels to specific organs or tissues in the body. Specialized cameras detect the radiation given off by the substance, producing images that reveal information about the structure and function of the organs or tissues. This technique can help diagnose various conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. In nuclear medicine treatment, radioactive substances are used to target and destroy abnormal cells in certain types of cancer.