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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.

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15y ago
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9y ago

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!!! :)

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13y ago

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.

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14y ago

yes they are. doctors use gamma radiation to treat cancer. :)

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11y ago

Because the radioisotope gives out decay which actually kills the cancer.

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14y ago

We use them because they can kill off living cells but can be made to kill cancerous cells.

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11y ago

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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11y ago

Gamma rays destroy selectively cancerous cells.

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Q: How do gamma rays kill cancer cells?
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Related questions

What is one use of gamma rays?

Gamma rays are used to kill cancer cells.


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 ;)


What are positive facts about gamma rays?

yes there is something positive they are used in x rays and radiation. but they are very powerful they can penetrate concrete! gamma rays can be used to kill insects and bacteria on foods. they are also used to steralize medical equipment. gamma rays also have a tissue penetrating property, making them useful in CT scans!


What kills cancer cells before they can harm the body?

Gamma rays


Why are radioactive isotopes Emit gamma rays useful for treating some forms of cancer?

Gamma rays can destroy malign 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


What are the bad and good things of gamma rays?

Gamma Rays can sterilise equipment for surgeons to use also they can kill of cancerous cells.


What are the dangers of gamma- ray?

the effects of gamma rays is that it alters cells and can become cancerous is dosage is too low many people might think that gamma rays aren't dangerous well the can cause cancer as well as kill some healthy cells. this is because they carry so much energy that it can harm living cells.


Which industries use gamma to make use of products?

You don't. Unless you're a radiologist or high energy physicist.