Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty that uses radioactive substances to diagnose and treat various diseases and medical conditions. It involves the use of small amounts of radioactive materials, known as radiotracers, which are injected, swallowed or inhaled by patients. These radiotracers emit gamma rays that can be detected by specialized cameras to create images of the inside of the body. In nuclear medicine, these images are used to diagnose conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and certain neurological disorders, as well as to monitor the progress of treatment. Nuclear medicine also involves the use of radioactive substances for therapeutic purposes, such as in the treatment of certain types of cancer. Overall, nuclear medicine plays a critical role in modern healthcare by providing non-invasive imaging techniques and targeted treatments that can help physicians make more accurate diagnoses and improve patient outcomes.