Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine is a specialized field of medicine that uses small amounts of radioactive substances, called radiotracers, to visualize, diagnose, and monitor the function of organs and tissues in the body. Unlike traditional imaging techniques that show only anatomical structures, nuclear medicine provides unique information about cellular activity, blood flow, and metabolic processes, allowing early detection of diseases, accurate assessment of organ function, and precise evaluation of treatment effectiveness.

Conditions Diagnosed

• Heart Diseases: in collaboration with Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery

• Thyroid and Endocrine System Diseases

• Bone Diseases: Bone Scan, Total Body Bone Scan, 3-phase Bone Scan, Leukocyte Labeling

• Renal and Genital System Diseases: Dynamic and Static Renal Scans, Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR) Scan

• Gastrointestinal System Diseases: disorders of the stomach, digestive tract, liver, and bile ducts

• Cancer

• Other Conditions

Specialized Scans

• Lung Perfusion/Ventilation Scan for pulmonary embolism

• Lacrimal Duct Scan for lacrimal duct obstructions

• Parotid Gland Scan for parotid gland diseases

• Ga-67 or Labeled Leukocyte Scan for infections, abscesses, and idiopathic fever

• Labeled Leukocyte Scan for diabetic foot evaluation

• Bone Marrow Scan

PET/CT: Advanced Imaging Technology

PET/CT combines two advanced imaging techniques to provide detailed information for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up, particularly in cancer care.

• PET (Positron Emission Tomography): reveals cellular function and metabolism

• CT (Computed Tomography): provides precise anatomical details

• Together, PET/CT visualizes both metabolism and anatomy in 3D during a single session, enabling accurate assessment and treatment planning. Our PET/CT system at the cancer hospital can detect even the smallest tumors.

PET vs PET/CT

• PET alone can detect tumor metabolism but cannot accurately locate lesions without CT guidance.

• PET/CT scans are faster and designed with a spacious structure for patient comfort, including those with claustrophobia.

Uses of PET/CT

• Cancer diagnosis, staging, and evaluation of treatment response

• Cardiology: determining viable cardiac tissue after myocardial infarction

• Neurology: precise localization of epileptic foci

• Early detection of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s

Role in Radiotherapy

• PET/CT-guided radiotherapy has become a global standard

• Helps precisely target tumor tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue

How PET/CT Scans Are Performed

1. A radioactive contrast agent is injected

2. Patient rests 45–60 minutes to allow uptake by cancerous cells

3. Scanning is performed while the patient lies in a supine position for 35–45 minutes

Advantages of PET/CT

• Early and precise cancer detection

• Identification of recurrences at an earlier stage

• High-quality, detailed imaging

• Increased patient comfort due to shorter scan duration

• Enhanced effectiveness of radiotherapy, conserving healthy tissue

This content was developed by the Medical Park Editorial Board and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized care.