Frequently Asked Questions
Nuclear Medicine doctor Overview
A nuclear medicine doctor is an expert in testing and treating patients using radioactive materials. They are also known as nuclear radiologists. These doctors work closely with Oncology (cancer care).
Conditions & Types of diseases treated by Nuclear Medicine Doctor
Conditions and diseases treated by nuclear medicine doctors include:
- Cancers
- Tumours
- Bone pain
- Lymphomas
- Hyperthyroidism
What are the reasons to see a nuclear medicine doctor?
Nuclear medicine doctors are specialists. Your primary doctor can refer you to one because they need more information about the illness for diagnosis and treatment.
Why do doctors use nuclear medicine?
Nuclear medicine is used for diagnostic and treatment purposes such as:
- Locating the source of infections
- Assessing organ function and damage
- Detecting blood disease
- Detecting kidney disease, infection and blockages
- Administering radioimmunotherapy
- Evaluating how treatments are working
What is the difference between radiology and nuclear medicine?
The difference between radiology and nuclear medicine is in the techniques and technologies they use. Radiology conducts external imaging to receive information about internal concerns and nuclear medicine can be used to conduct internal imaging and also has therapeutic effects. Nuclear medicine is also a course of treatment for certain conditions like cancer.
What type of tests are done by nuclear medicine doctors?
Some tests done include:
- Nuclear stress tests
- Brain scan
- Parathyroid scan
- Gallium scan
- Renal scan
- Spleen scan
- 3 phase bone scans
- Gastric emptying scan
- Thyroid uptake scan