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Gamma rays are sometimes used in treating cancer because of what they are and what they do. Gamma rays are electromagnetic radiation. Just like light or radio waves. Except that they are of a much higher energy than light or even X-rays. They are absorbed or scattered by anthing they pass through, and their ability to penetrate material and the amount of scattering they experience varies as the material. But they penetrate stuff pretty well, and slice right through biological stuff like plant or animal tissue. And they do stuff to the tissue they pass through while zipping past. The high energy of gamma rays is what is called ionizing radiation. It has the power to break chemical bonds between atoms. This is important because living tissue is made up of complex chains of atoms. Big organic molecules are the basics of life. If a gamma ray zips by, it can break the big molecule apart kind of like snipping a string in a place or two with scissors. The gamma ray loses energy doing this, but it still continues on cutting up molecules. It causes radiation damage. Electromagnetic radiation (emr) damage. And this can be good. It turns out that though emr damage can make living cells "sick" and can also kill them if enough damage occurs, the cells that are most sensitive to emr damage are cells that have "fast metabolisms" or that work at high rates. Cancer cells work at high rates. Irradiate them with high energy emr (gamma rays) and they can be killed. So will some surrounding tissue, but the brunt of the damage will be caused to the cancerous tissue. And by moving the beam around, we can minimize damage to surrounding tissue while pounding the cancerous cells. This is the basis for current radiation therapy by gamma rays.
Because Gamma rays can kill living cells, they are used to kill cancer cells without having to resort to difficult surgery.
This is called "Radiotherapy" and works because cancers cells can't repair themselves like healthy cells can when damaged by gamma rays. Getting the dose right is very important! HOPE THIS HELPS!!! :)
Radiation therapy is commonly administered to approximately 50% of cancer patients during the course of illness. It can be used as the sole method of cure for tumors in the mouth and neighboring structures in the oral cavity.
Because the radioisotope gives out decay which actually kills the cancer.
We use them because they can kill off living cells but can be made to kill cancerous cells.
Radiation damages the cells. Cancer cells cant repair themselves after a dose of radiation therefore they die. Normal cells are able to repair themselves.
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What is one use of gamma rays?
One use of gamma rays is in cancer treatment, where they can be directed at cancer cells to destroy them.
How can gamma rays can cause and treat cancer?
Gamma rays can cause cancer by damaging the DNA within cells, leading to uncontrolled growth. In cancer treatment, gamma rays are used in radiation therapy to target and kill cancer cells. The high-energy radiation helps to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.
What type of electromagnetic waves can be used to kill cancer?
Ionizing radiation, such as X-rays and gamma rays, are used in radiation therapy to kill cancer cells. These high-energy electromagnetic waves can damage the DNA within cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing.
How are gamma rays used in radiotherapy?
Gamma rays are used in radiotherapy to target and kill cancer cells. The high-energy gamma rays are directed at the tumor site to destroy cancer cells and shrink the tumor. This targeted approach helps minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
What therapies are used to treat vulvar cancer?
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation from x rays and gamma rays to kill the cancer cells.
How do you use gamma rays to kill cancer cell?
You have to put the source (usually cobalt) right next to (or inside of) the cancer cells.
How do gamma rays affect a daily life?
one way is that gamma rays can get rid of cancer cells
Can gamma rays cause cancer?
Yes Gamma Rays can cause cancer, even a small exposure to Gamma ray can cause the risk of cancer, X-Rays and Visible light can cause cancer but need huge amounts of it exposed to the body, Gamma is used in Nuclear bombs because of all the energy it has, so if you're near a Nuclear bomb when it sets off, Your most likely to catch cancer ;)
Does chemotherapy use gamma rays?
No, chemotherapy uses drugs to treat cancer by targeting rapidly dividing cells. Gamma rays, on the other hand, are a type of high-energy radiation used in radiation therapy to kill cancer cells.
What is the use of an gamma ray?
It can be used in radiation therapy to treat cancer as the high-energy gamma rays can kill tumour cells. Source: I am a Nuclear Physicist working in MIT
Why are radioactive isotopes Emit gamma rays useful for treating some forms of cancer?
Gamma rays can destroy malign cells.
What are the bad and good things of gamma rays?
Gamma rays have the ability to penetrate deeply into materials, making them useful in medical imaging and cancer treatment. However, excessive exposure to gamma rays can be harmful, causing damage to cells and DNA, leading to radiation sickness and an increased risk of cancer. Protection measures must be implemented to minimize exposure to gamma rays in order to reap their benefits while avoiding their harmful effects.
