Nuclear medicine and radiology are critical diagnostic techniques widely used in modern medicine to enable the most rapid and accurate diagnostics possible.
While both techniques use radiation to produce detailed images of the internal organs and structures of the body, how they do it is quite different, and how they are used in diagnostics is also different.
We will examine each of these techniques, how they work, the imaging each produces, their pros and cons, and their key differences.
What Is Nuclear Medicine?
Nuclear medicine is a medical imaging technique that uses radioactive materials and nuclear compounds to directly observe chemical interactions inside the body. Doctors administer radioactive material, usually via injection, into the body.
Next, they use specialized cameras to track the radiation sources inside the body in order to develop detailed images of parts like internal organs and cells that don’t appear on traditional radiology equipment.
Some nuclear techniques also utilize additional radiation directed at a targeted location on the body to treat a disease or disorder, like cancer.
Types of Nuclear Imaging
There are many types of nuclear imaging methods designed for different uses. Here are some of the most common uses.
- SPECT or Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography scans identify blood flow in the body using a diagnostic tracer that emits gamma rays throughout the patient's body.
- PET or Positron Emission Tomography scans are used to identify tumors and metabolic changes in the body.
- PET and CT scans combine nuclear imaging and radiology to produce complex 3-D images.
- Nuclear bone scans or skeletal scintigraphy produce images showing where radioactive compounds accumulate in the bones.
- Radioimmunotherapy involves injecting the patient with radioactive agents that bind to natural antibodies and travel to a tumor. It is used in some types of cancer treatment.
Pros
- It helps provide critical information about the function and condition of organs and tissues that traditional radiographs cannot see. This is essential for certain diagnostic fields and treatments.
- It allows for the detection of abnormalities and diseases while they are still in their early stages before they become visible using other imaging techniques. This is because they can be used to view highly sensitive changes at the cellular level.
- Unlike other forms of imaging, it allows for simultaneous diagnostics and treatment, such as when radiopharmaceuticals are used to target and treat certain kinds of cancer.
Cons
- Using radioactive materials injected into the body can create safety concerns. However, strict safety standards, certifications, and specialized training all help to minimize the potential risk to patient health.
- It is usually more expensive than other radiological imaging techniques because they require more expensive specialized gamma cameras and tracers.
- It takes longer than other imaging techniques because the substances must be injected and then wait for them to be dispersed throughout the body.
- Because it is more expensive and highly specialized, it has limited availability, especially in more remote regions with lower population densities.
What Is Radiology?
Radiology is a medical imaging procedure that utilizes ionizing electromagnetic radiation to create noninvasive images of bones, internal organs, and soft tissues. Modern digital radiology equipment produces high-quality, detailed images in real-time, allowing healthcare professionals to rapidly diagnose injuries, abnormalities, diseases, and other conditions.
Radiology has other interesting uses, such as examining historical works of art and when NASA creates images of the sun and views supernovas.
Types of Radiology Imaging
Radiology is a common medical imaging procedure with many applications in different diagnostic and treatment procedures. Here are some of the most common uses.
- X-ray techniques use electromagnetic radiation to produce images of bones and joints, but they can also be used for certain soft tissues, internal organs, tumors, etc.
- CAT, CT, or Computed Axial Tomography scans compile multiple X-ray images from different angles using advanced computer software to create cross-sectional views of the body.
- Fluoroscopy is a continuous X-ray scan used to examine function, examining how the body moves throughout scans.
- MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, uses radio waves pulsed through a strong magnetic field to produce detailed images of soft tissues like the brain and blood vessels.
- Ultrasound or sonograms use a transmitter to apply high-frequency sound waves to the body, which echo off of internal organs to produce spatially accurate images. They are used to detect tumors, examine internal organs, and safely monitor pregnancies since they use no ionizing radiation.
Pros
- Radiology is widely available, especially X-rays, CT, and ultrasounds, so even remote areas with few diagnostic abilities often have access to them.
- They are used in a wide range of medical applications.
- They are usually faster and less expensive than nuclear methods, so more patients can afford it.
- Non-invasive procedures help protect patient safety.
- New digital technologies allow for more detailed images that use less radiation, making them safer than traditional X-ray methods.
Cons
- There is some exposure to ionizing radiation (excluding MRI and ultrasound). However, newer digital technologies produce more detailed images at a lower radiation dose, making them much safer than traditional methods.
- Lower sensitivity compared to nuclear techniques means that certain diseases can be missed until they reach a more advanced stage.
- More limited functional imaging than nuclear methods because most techniques produce 2D images of body structures, even though you can see them in real-time.
5 Key Differences Between Nuclear Medicine and Radiology
Here are some key differences between these two important medical imaging techniques.
How The Image is Produced
The main difference is that nuclear medicine creates images by detecting internal radiation waves interacting with cells and tissues. The internal radiation is produced when the patient is injected with radioactive substances. Imaging radiology develops images when external radiation is applied to the outside of the body based on how much radiation is absorbed or allowed to pass through the body’s bones and tissues.
Image Type
Radiology visualizes the physical aspects of bones, joints, organs, and soft tissues, showing things like shape, size, and location to detect physical injuries or abnormalities. Nuclear medicine is used more to determine the function and behavior of internal organs, examining things like chemical interactions or cell growth.
Diagnostic Agents
Nuclear medicine always uses radioactive materials inside the body, usually via injection, for its imaging procedures. Radiological scans don’t usually use diagnostic agents to increase the contrast in their images; when they do, they usually do not require injections.
Resolution
Radiology produces images with a much higher resolution than nuclear images because there is less interference from environmental factors. However, nuclear medicine can see changes at the cellular level that radiological methods cannot.
Duration
Nuclear imaging almost always takes longer than radiology because diagnostic agents must be administered to the patient. Then, the patient must wait for their body to absorb and disperse the agents before imaging. Often, radiology is instantaneous or nearly so.
Final Thoughts
Both nuclear medicine and radiology are valuable diagnostic techniques, but their use and the images they produce vary significantly. Radiology is used more to examine visual aspects, while nuclear methods are used to study function and behavior.
For digital radiology equipment, contact our friendly staff at Maven Imaging. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have about our products and services for improving healthcare.