Nuclear Medicine (NM) is a highly specialized branch of medical imaging that looks beyond anatomy to reveal how the body functions at a cellular and molecular level. Unlike conventional imaging such as X-ray, CT, or ultrasound, NM shows the biological processes that drive health and disease. This unique perspective enables earlier detection, more accurate diagnosis, and truly personalized treatment planning.

Why Nuclear Medicine Matters

Nuclear Medicine helps clinicians:

• Detect disease at its earliest stage, often before symptoms appear.
• Identify the exact location and spread of tumors.
• Select and monitor therapies based on the biological behavior of disease.
• Adapt treatment quickly by measuring the effectiveness of ongoing care.

Conditions Commonly Investigated

Nuclear Medicine procedures are safe, non-invasive, and painless, and play a vital role in diagnosing and managing:

• Cancer and tumor spread
• Heart disease and coronary artery disease
• Brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, dementia, and stroke
• Gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disorders (e.g., gastric emptying, bile leaks, cholecystitis)
• Lung conditions such as pulmonary embolism and shunt evaluation
• Kidney and urinary tract disorders including obstruction, reflux, and renal artery stenosis
• Bone disorders such as fractures, infections, arthritis, and metastases
• Thyroid and endocrine conditions (thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism, parathyroid adenomas)
• Neuroendocrine tumors (carcinoid, pheochromocytoma)
  …and many more.

How It Works

A small amount of a radioactive tracer (radiopharmaceutical) is introduced into the body by injection, inhalation, or swallowing. This tracer accumulates in targeted organs or tissues, and a gamma camera or SPECT/CT scanner captures detailed images of its distribution. These images allow physicians to study organ function, metabolism, and blood flow in real time.