Question

Besides the uses of radium and polonium mentioned in the text, in what other way, do you think, it is used in the field of medicine?

Answer 1

Since both Radium and Polonium are radioactive, their emitted rays could be used for the following purposes:

1. Radium produces radon gas that could be used to treat cancers.
2. Radium can be used as an additive to medical treatments for tuberculosis, where there are resistant bacilli.
3. Radium can be used in brachytherapy (internal radiation therapy), where a sealed radiation source is placed inside or next to the area requiring treatment. It is mainly used for cervical, breast, and skin cancer.