isotopes in medicine

Isotopes are versions of an element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. In medicine, radioactive isotopes are used for diagnosis and treatment because they emit radiation that can be detected or used to target specific tissues. For example, in imaging procedures like PET scans, isotopes help create detailed pictures of organs and detect abnormalities. In cancer therapy, targeted radioactive isotopes destroy diseased cells with minimal damage to healthy tissue. These medical isotopes are chosen for their ability to safely provide essential clinical information or therapeutic effects.