Gamma Rays

  • Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic waves that are released from the nucleus of a radioactive substance.
  • The property that makes gamma rays useful in medicine is their ability to penetrate through material, including human tissue.
  • Gamma rays can be used for imaging the inside of the body. A radiographer will administer a small dose of a radiopharmaceutical – a liquid that emits gamma radiation - to a patient. As these radiopharmaceuticals move through the body, they give off radiation. Special cameras detect this radiation and doctors use these images to diagnose various health conditions.
  • Unlike other radiation forms, gamma rays do not produce an electric charge when travelling, which makes them easily pass through most substances including the human body.
  • Gamma rays are frequently used in medical procedures such as radiation therapy for treating cancer. They can be targeted to destroy cancerous cells, without damaging nearby healthy cells. This type of treatment is known as radiotherapy or radiation therapy.
  • Gamma Knife surgery is a type of neurosurgery that uses gamma radiation to treat brain disorders such as tumours and vascular malformations. Despite the name, Gamma Knife surgery does not involve any incisions.
  • While gamma rays can be very beneficial in the field of medicine, they also have potential risks if not properly controlled. Prolonged exposure to gamma radiation can damage the body’s cells and DNA, potentially leading to health problems, including cancer.
  • Safety guidelines and regulations are in place to protect both health care professionals and patients from the harmful effects of overexposure to gamma rays. Using lead shields, proper equipment, and protective clothing are examples of safety measures.
  • The dose and duration of gamma radiation a patient receives are carefully calculated and monitored to ensure its effectiveness and safety.
  • Technological advancements in recent years have made it possible to use smaller doses of gamma radiation and target them more precisely, reducing the risk of damage to healthy tissues.