Chapter 24.4, Problem 28SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The use of nuclear chemistry to diagnose or treat disease needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Nuclear chemistry is the Chemistry subcategory dealing with changes in the element nucleus. These changes are the source of radioactivity and nuclear power.

Answer to Problem 28SSC

Procedures in nuclear medicine are used for the diagnosis and treatment of certain diseases. Such techniques use radiopharmaceutical materials. Diseases treated with nuclear medicine procedures are hyperthyroidism, cancer, thyroid, etc.

Explanation of Solution

Nuclear chemistry plays an important role in medicine. Different diseases are treated by using nuclear chemistry. Radiotracers also have important uses in medicine. Iodine-131, for example, is commonly used to detect diseases associated with the thyroid gland. If a problem is suspected, the patient will drink a solution containing a small amount of iodine-131. After the absorption of iodine, the amount of iodine used by thyroid is measured and this is used to monitor the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Cancer is treated with radiation therapy by destroying the cancer cells. In fact, cancer cells are more susceptible to destruction by radiation than healthy ones.

Conclusion

A radiotracer is a radioisotope that discharges non-ionizing radiation and it is used to detect the presence of an element or specific substance.