Medical Uses of Nuclear Energy

When we talk about nuclear energy, we are referring to the reactions of atomic nuclei. Although the very mention of nuclear energy reminds us about the different nuclear disasters, which have taken place all around the world, there are many positive uses of nuclear energy as well. One of the fields, where nuclear energy is widely used is the field of medicine.

As a matter of fact, nuclear medicine is fast emerging as a specialty branch of medicine. Like I have previously mentioned, it is used both for diagnosis as well as treatment of disease. Radionuclide and the process of radioactive decay are used for the same. The different radionuclides of elements are combined with different chemical compounds or with pharmaceutical compounds, which results in radio-pharmaceuticals. These are later used for imaging, which helps in diagnosing the extent of spread of disease.

Radiation is used in medicine, which helps in giving information about the functioning of a specific organs in the body. The information given by this method is quick, which helps in accurate diagnosis of the condition of the patient.

For treating certain medical conditions radiation dose is given to the patient internally, either using intravenous drips or orally.  In some rare cases, external radiation therapy may also be given to the patient.

This treatment is often used in treating conditions like hyperthyroidism, cancer, refractory lymphoma, neuroendocrine tumors, palliative bone pain treatment, etc. Certain blood disorders can also be treated using nuclear energy. Painful tumor metastases of the bones can also be treated using radioactive material.

The most common of the medical uses of nuclear energy is its use in both medical and dental imaging.

There are different radioactive organic molecules used for different types of imaging. Like for medical and dental imaging Cobalt-60 is used, while Technetium-99m is used as a tracer in the human body to detect diseases. It has a very powerful light force, which helps in taking the pictures inside the body.

There are certain image processes with which inside of the body can be seen, which otherwise would be possible only with the help of exploratory surgery. The process helps in understanding the actual processes taking place inside the body.

The medicinal uses of nuclear energy include:

• For analyzing kidney function.
• To scan the blood flow to the heart and its functioning.
• To scan the lungs to find and assess respiratory problems.
• To identify infections in different parts of the body.

• For measuring the functioning of the thyroid glands, which helps in assessing overactive as well as under active functioning of the thyroid glands.
• The different abnormalities in the brain like blood flow problems to the brain, seizures, memory loss can be identified with the help of nuclear energy.
• It is also used for identifying abnormalities in kidneys, esophagus, intestines, etc., of children as much as in adults.

These were some of the important uses of nuclear energy in the field of medicine. However, it is important to remember that there are certain medical implications of nuclear power as well. The implications are seen at different stages. They start when the radioactive materials are mined.

People working in the field of radioactive milling, enrichment and fuel fabrication, reprocessing, waste storage, meltdown, etc., are known to suffer from the medical implications of radiation of the nuclear material.

These implications are severe, therefore, before nuclear energy is used on patients, it is important that the threat to the patients be evaluated as well. Along with the medical fraternity, common people should also think, if they want to be exposed to this energy, which although has positive powers also has repercussions.