Medical

Medical

Medical health physics plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and effective use of radiation in healthcare. This section explores the diverse applications of radiation in medicine, encompassing diagnostic imaging, nuclear medicine therapies, and emerging fields like theranostics. Discover the principles and practices that safeguard patients, healthcare professionals, and the public in medical radiation environments.

Imaging

Medical imaging utilizes various forms of radiation to visualize the internal structures of the body, aiding in diagnosis, treatment planning, and disease monitoring. Health physicists in this area focus on optimizing image quality while minimizing radiation dose to patients and staff. Techniques covered in this section include:

• Computed Tomography (CT): 3D X-ray imaging for detailed anatomical information.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce high-resolution images of organs and tissues.
• Radiography: Conventional X-ray imaging for examining bones and detecting abnormalities.
• Mammography: Specialized X-ray imaging for breast cancer screening and diagnosis.
• Ultrasound: Employs high-frequency sound waves to visualize internal organs and tissues.
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET): Uses radioactive tracers to image metabolic activity in the body.
• Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT): Similar to PET, but uses different1 radiotracers for imaging blood flow and organ function.  
• Fluoroscopy: Real-time X-ray imaging for guiding procedures and observing motion.

Therapy

Radiation therapy uses ionizing radiation to treat cancer and other diseases by targeting and destroying abnormal cells. Health physicists in this domain ensure accurate dose delivery, protect healthy tissues, and manage radioactive sources. This section includes:

• Linear Accelerator (LINAC): Delivers high-energy X-rays or electrons for external beam radiation therapy.
• Proton Therapy: Uses protons to precisely target tumors, sparing surrounding healthy tissues.
• Brachytherapy: Involves placing radioactive sources directly into or near the tumor.
• Gamma Knife: Delivers highly focused gamma rays to treat brain tumors and other conditions.
• Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT): A targeted therapy that uses boron-containing drugs and neutron irradiation.

Diagnostics

Diagnostic procedures employ radiation to assess organ function, bone health, and other physiological parameters. Health physicists contribute to radiation safety and quality control in these procedures, which include:

• Cardiac Stress Tests: Use radiotracers to evaluate heart function under stress.
• Bone Densitometry: Measures bone mineral density to diagnose osteoporosis.
• Thyroid Uptake Tests: Assess thyroid function by measuring the uptake of radioactive iodine.

Theranostics

Theranostics combines therapy and diagnostics by using radioactive substances for both imaging and treatment. Health physicists in this emerging field manage the unique safety considerations associated with these agents. This section explores:

• Targeted Radionuclide Therapy: Uses radioactive isotopes like Ac-225, Pb-203/Pb-212, Lu-177, Ra-223, and I-131 attached to molecules that bind to cancer cells, delivering targeted radiation