What role do gamma rays play in medical treatment?

Gamma rays play a significant role in medical treatment, particularly in the field of oncology, which focuses on cancer treatment. They are a form of ionizing radiation with high energy that can penetrate tissues effectively. In cancer treatment, gamma rays are used in a process known as radiotherapy, where they target and kill cancer cells. The high energy of gamma rays damages the DNA within the cancer cells, which inhibits their ability to replicate and contributes to tumor shrinkage.

This method is crucial because it allows for localized treatment of tumors while trying to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The precision and effectiveness of gamma rays in destroying cancerous cells make them an invaluable tool in the treatment arsenal against various types of cancer.

While imaging broken bones and sterilizing medical equipment are important procedures in healthcare, they utilize different forms of radiation or methods. Navigation does not pertain to the medical use of gamma rays at all. Therefore, the association of gamma rays with cancer treatment is well-supported by their properties and application in clinical practice.