Usage of radiation in medecine

Question 1

What happens if we receive too much radiation

Answer 1

• Cells are killed. We experience vomitting, tiredness and hairloss
• DNA mutates, uncontrolled mutations leads to cancer

Question 2

What is external radiotherapy

Answer 2

• Gamma rays are fired at the cancer cell from different angles, all meeting up at one point (the cancer cell)
• This means that only the cancer cell gets a high enough dosage to kill it

Question 3

What is internal radioatherapy

Answer 3

• Radioactive substance is placed next to or inside the cancer cell
• Usually beta radiation as it is stronger than gamm and less penetrative (won’t harm rest of body)
• As the substance decays, it irradiates and kills the cancer cell

Question 4

What are some side effects of radiotherapy

Answer 4

• Healthy cells can be damaged and / or killed

Question 5

How is radiation used in medical tracers

Answer 5

• We can track the mocement around the body by tracking the radiation they emit
• Can be taken by injecting or swallowing
• Can check if an organ is working correctly
• Usually use gamma radiation as it is least harmful

Question 6

What is the criteria for a substance to be used as a medical tracer

Answer 6

• Short half-life (emits radiation for as little time as possible)
• Low dosage (least harmful)