EXPERT
Bruce J. Barron
Nuclear Medicine Specialist
Dr. Bruce J. Barron is a top Nuclear Medicine Specialist in Dunwoody, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Bruce J. Barron is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Bruce J. Barron is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Bruce J. Barron is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Dunwoody, Georgia, Dr. Bruce J. Barron is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
Bruce J. Barron
- Dunwoody, Georgia
- University of South Florida College of Medicine
- Accepting new patients
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Can you develop lung cancer from working in nuclear medicine?
No. There is no increased incidence of cancer or lymphoma in nuclear medicine technologists or physicians. Years ago when they did not take necessary precautions there was an increased READ MORE
No. There is no increased incidence of cancer or lymphoma in nuclear medicine technologists or physicians. Years ago when they did not take necessary precautions there was an increased risk associated with radioactive iodine and selenium, and strontium. We have come a long way. There is an increased incidence of lymphoma in hospital pharmacists making up chemotherapy IV solutions. Safety measures have been put in place. Even in patients that we treat with high doses of radioactivity, there is not much incidence of secondary cancers. The opposite is true after radiotherapy which can cause delayed soft tissue sarcomas.
How will nuclear medicine adapt in the next decade?
We will be looking at smaller and smaller molecules which are more specific. There is a trend now to use radionuclide therapy as part of management of various tumors. New PET READ MORE
We will be looking at smaller and smaller molecules which are more specific. There is a trend now to use radionuclide therapy as part of management of various tumors. New PET tracers are being developed to image and treat a host of different tumors.
What organs are examined in nuclear medicine?
We have specific scans to look at the brain, heart, lungs, liver/spleen, thyroid, bones, kidneys. The PET/CT scan images most organs. Pick an organ and I will tell you how we image READ MORE
We have specific scans to look at the brain, heart, lungs, liver/spleen, thyroid, bones, kidneys. The PET/CT scan images most organs. Pick an organ and I will tell you how we image it.
Why is nuclear warfare still being created in the world?
People think if they have the capability they are more powerful. Weaker nations are at risk of being attacked. However, nuclear warfare will affect the whole world. It is not like READ MORE
People think if they have the capability they are more powerful. Weaker nations are at risk of being attacked. However, nuclear warfare will affect the whole world. It is not like dropping a simple bomb. The effects will be felt globally. Those with capabilities think it will help them control smaller countries. I don't think nuclear warfare will work without affecting us all.
How is hyperthyroidism treated with nuclear medicine?
Hyperthyroidism (HTH) causes increased thyroid hormone being produces and released. The uptake of iodine by the thyroid is 2-4 times increased in HTH. Radioactive iodine is taken READ MORE
Hyperthyroidism (HTH) causes increased thyroid hormone being produces and released. The uptake of iodine by the thyroid is 2-4 times increased in HTH. Radioactive iodine is taken up like regular iodine and because of its beta emissions, it kills thyroid cells. There has been no increased incidence of cancer after therapy.
Is a nuclear medicine technologist a doctor?
No. A nuclear medicine technologist usually has a bachelor’s degree. There are some certificate programs. Typically training is for 2 years.
Why would someone get radionuclide therapy?
Radionuclide therapy RNT is used for a number of cancers. For treating metastatic thyroid cancer, I-131 is used For treating neuroendocrine tumors Lu-Dotatate is given IV For treating READ MORE
Radionuclide therapy RNT is used for a number of cancers.
For treating metastatic thyroid cancer, I-131 is used
For treating neuroendocrine tumors Lu-Dotatate is given IV
For treating bleeding joints in hemophiliacs P-32 can be injected into the joints
For treating liver cancers Y-90 labeled microspheres are injected into the hepatic artery.
For treating prostate cancer Lu-PSMA can be given
There are numerous therapies using radiolabeled antibodies to treat other cancers, mostly used in Europe.
For treating metastatic thyroid cancer, I-131 is used
For treating neuroendocrine tumors Lu-Dotatate is given IV
For treating bleeding joints in hemophiliacs P-32 can be injected into the joints
For treating liver cancers Y-90 labeled microspheres are injected into the hepatic artery.
For treating prostate cancer Lu-PSMA can be given
There are numerous therapies using radiolabeled antibodies to treat other cancers, mostly used in Europe.
How is nuclear medicine changing the pandemic?
We have stopped doing some studies because of the pandemic. We are no longer doing studies which involve exercise or respiration testing. We are doing pharmacologic stress instead READ MORE
We have stopped doing some studies because of the pandemic. We are no longer doing studies which involve exercise or respiration testing. We are doing pharmacologic stress instead of exercise. We are no longer doing ventilation studies.
We do image Covid positive patients, but only at the end of the day as equipment needs to be decontaminated for 4 hours. We do not do outpatient procedures that are not urgent on patients that have tested positive for Covid within 2 weeks.
We do image Covid positive patients, but only at the end of the day as equipment needs to be decontaminated for 4 hours. We do not do outpatient procedures that are not urgent on patients that have tested positive for Covid within 2 weeks.
How has nuclear medicine changed from the pandemic occurring?
We have decreased our volume and have tried to put off studies for the future. Given that Covid appears to be here for a while, we are scheduling all. The major changes involve READ MORE
We have decreased our volume and have tried to put off studies for the future. Given that Covid appears to be here for a while, we are scheduling all. The major changes involve the switching from exercise stress testing to pharmacological stress. For the ventilation/perfusion lung scan,we have eliminated the ventilation portion of the study and added a CT.
Is nuclear medicine an essential service?
Nuclear medicine is some form has been around since about 1950. Many studies initially performed by nuclear medicine techniques have been replaced by modern technologies. When READ MORE
Nuclear medicine is some form has been around since about 1950. Many studies initially performed by nuclear medicine techniques have been replaced by modern technologies. When it comes to molecular imaging and diagnosis the presence of tumors or metastatic disease, nuclear medicine has an edge an is therefore considered essential. Lung perfusion imaging to look for pulmonary embolism is still a vital service performed by NM. The future of NM will likely involve radionuclide therapy of cancer and endocrine disorders. Our service is extremely busy with 13 nuclear medicine physicians. We would like to think of ourselves as essential.
Can being around nuclear medicine affect your mental state?
No. There is no relation. Sometimes anxiety about being near radiation can cause altered states but there is no direct effect.
Is nuclear waste being dumped into the ocean?
Depends where. Those with nuclear reactors sometimes are forced to release radioactivity into the water. World health organizations monitor, but not certain countries.
How is nuclear medicine utilized underwater?
The only application I know of is when scientists try to determine the volume of a pool of liquid. By putting in a known amount of radioactivity and allowing it to disperse, scientists READ MORE
The only application I know of is when scientists try to determine the volume of a pool of liquid. By putting in a known amount of radioactivity and allowing it to disperse, scientists can then sample the water and determine volume. Geologists use this to determine the size of oil reserves.
Can you work in nuclear medicine if you have existing lung problems?
Yes, assuming you are upright and not on oxygen. There are no lung biohazards from nuclear medicine imaging.
Is nuclear medicine used in wars?
Nuclear medicine is not an arsenal. There have been instances in which radionuclides have been gathered an used in a dirty bomb. Some radionuclides have been used in poisoning. READ MORE
Nuclear medicine is not an arsenal. There have been instances in which radionuclides have been gathered an used in a dirty bomb. Some radionuclides have been used in poisoning. For the most part NM concerns itself with imaging of disease and treatment of disease.
How does the virus respond to nuclear medicine?
There is no effect from virus on nuclear medicine studies, and there is no effect on virus from nuclear medicine studies.
Is PPE limited in nuclear medicine?
No. Nuclear Medicine uses prescribed PPE for patients and technologists. There is no real shortage of protective gear.
What are the nuclear imaging practices during the virus?
During this crisis, only urgent studies will be done. To qualify, a study must be needed within a 30 day time frame. Of course emergency studies will be done. The lung scan protocol READ MORE
During this crisis, only urgent studies will be done. To qualify, a study must be needed within a 30 day time frame. Of course emergency studies will be done. The lung scan protocol has been changed to do perfusion studies only. All Covid positive patients will be evaluated to determine if imaging is necessary. If so, those patients will be done at the end of the workday under strict PPE guidelines. Rooms must be sanitized and cannot be used for 2 hours afterward.
Is nuclear medicine toxic to the lungs?
There are very few tracers that go to the lung. Xenon which is use to test ventilation has a very short effective half life. That is there is very little time spent in the lung. READ MORE
There are very few tracers that go to the lung. Xenon which is use to test ventilation has a very short effective half life. That is there is very little time spent in the lung. Other tracers that go to the lung have a 6 hour half life and do not cause much radiation. Some of the older tracers did cause more radiation in the lungs. The tracers used for imaging lung cancers have a 2 hour half life and the radiation dose is not considered excessive. The simple answer to the question is no.
Is it safe to be working in nuclear medicine with the coronavirus?
We are exposed to sick patients. However there is significant screening before a patient is sent for a nuclear medicine study. When necessary we can put on protective clothing. READ MORE
We are exposed to sick patients. However there is significant screening before a patient is sent for a nuclear medicine study. When necessary we can put on protective clothing.
