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Unit 21AB Alternative: Radiation use in Medical Diagnosis and Treatment - BTEC Applied Science £5.49
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Unit 21AB Alternative: Radiation use in Medical Diagnosis and Treatment - BTEC Applied Science

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  • January 24, 2025
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Unit 21AB: Radiation use in medical diagnosis and treatment



Introduction:

‌ adiation is used extensively in medical applications for diagnosis and treatment of various
R
conditions. Ionising and non-ionising radiation are two types of radiation commonly used in medical
settings. In this presentation, we will compare and contrast different ionising and non-ionising
radiation techniques that are used in medical settings, including how each type of radiation is
produced, the principles behind the use of each technique, and the benefits and limitations of each
method.




Ionising and non-ionising radiation

Ionizing radiation technologies are used for diagnosis and treatment of the human body due to their
ability to penetrate tissues and produce images of internal structures, as well as their ability to
damage or destroy cancerous cells.

In terms of diagnosis, ionizing radiation is used in various medical imaging techniques such as X-rays,
CT scans, and nuclear medicine imaging. These technologies use ionizing radiation to produce
images of the internal structures of the body, helping doctors diagnose and treat various medical
conditions. For example, X-rays can detect broken bones, while CT scans can detect abnormalities in
the brain or other organs.

In terms of treatment, ionizing radiation can be used to target and destroy cancerous cells. This is
done through a process known as radiation therapy, which involves directing high-energy beams of
ionizing radiation at tumors. The radiation damages the DNA of the cancerous cells, ultimately
causing them to die. Radiation therapy can be used as a standalone treatment for cancer or in
combination with other treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy.

Despite its benefits, the use of ionizing radiation in medical applications must be carefully managed
to minimize the risks associated with exposure. This is done through the use of safety measures such
as shielding, time limits, and distance from the radiation source, as well as using the lowest possible
doses of radiation necessary to achieve the desired diagnostic or therapeutic outcomes.

The principles and production of ionising radiation technologies are used in a variety of medical
applications, including diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The use of ionising radiation in medical
imaging is based on the principles of attenuation and absorption. Attenuation is the reduction of
radiation intensity as it passes through matter, while absorption is the total loss of radiation as it
interacts with matter.

In diagnostic applications, such as X-ray and computed tomography (CT) scans, ionising radiation is
used to create images of the internal structures of the body. The X-ray machine produces a beam of
ionising radiation that is directed towards the patient's body. The radiation passes through the body,
and the amount of radiation that is absorbed by different tissues and organs is detected by a sensor
on the other side of the patient's body. The sensor then sends the information to a computer, which
generates an image based on the amount of radiation absorbed by the different tissues.

, In radiation therapy, ionising radiation is used to treat cancer by killing cancer cells. The radiation is
produced by a machine called a linear accelerator (linac), which delivers a high-energy beam of
ionising radiation directly to the cancerous cells. The principle behind this treatment is that the
ionising radiation damages the DNA of the cancer cells, preventing them from multiplying and
spreading.

The production of ionising radiation in medical applications is typically done using a variety of
methods, including X-ray tubes, linear accelerators, and radioactive isotopes. X-ray tubes produce
ionising radiation by accelerating electrons towards a target material, usually a metal such as
tungsten. Linear accelerators produce high-energy radiation by accelerating charged particles, such
as electrons or protons, to very high speeds. Radioactive isotopes produce ionising radiation through
the natural process of radioactive decay.

In summary, the principles and production of ionising radiation technologies are used in a range of
medical applications, from diagnostic imaging to cancer treatment. The use of ionising radiation in
medical applications is based on the principles of attenuation and absorption, and it is produced
using X-ray tubes, linear accelerators, and radioactive isotopes.

Non-ionising radiation technologies, unlike ionising radiation, do not have enough energy to remove
electrons from atoms or molecules, and therefore, do not produce ionisation in the human body.
This makes non-ionising radiation safer for medical applications, particularly for diagnostic
procedures where repeated exposures may be required.

One of the most commonly used non-ionising radiation technologies in medicine is magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI). MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed
images of internal body structures, which can help to diagnose and monitor various medical
conditions such as cancer, brain and spinal cord injuries, and cardiovascular disease.

Another non-ionising radiation technology used in medicine is ultrasound. Ultrasound uses high-
frequency sound waves to create images of internal organs and tissues, allowing doctors to examine
them for abnormalities or diseases. It is particularly useful in obstetrics for monitoring fetal
development, and in cardiology for examining the heart's structure and function.

In addition to diagnosis, non-ionising radiation technologies can also be used in treatment. For
example, laser therapy uses non-ionising radiation to treat a variety of medical conditions, including
skin disorders, eye diseases, and cancer. Additionally, some non-ionising radiation technologies, such
as photodynamic therapy, can selectively target and destroy cancer cells while leaving healthy cells
unharmed.

Non-ionising radiation technologies are useful in medical applications due to their safety, versatility,
and ability to produce detailed images or targeted treatments without the harmful effects of ionising
radiation.

In conclusion, the choice of non-ionising and ionising radiation techniques in medical applications is
justified by their ability to provide valuable diagnostic and treatment information that may not be
available through other means. For example, ionising radiation techniques such as X-rays and CT
scans are often used for the diagnosis of fractures, tumours, and other medical conditions. These
techniques are valuable because they can produce detailed images of the internal structures of the
body, allowing for accurate diagnoses and effective treatment planning.

Similarly, non-ionising radiation techniques like MRI and ultrasound are used for the diagnosis of soft
tissue injuries and other conditions that cannot be easily detected through X-ray or CT imaging.

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