Pituitary Glossary starting with R
Rad
Total amount of radiation absorbed by specific material or tissues.
1) The unit for the dose absorbed from ionizing radiation, equivalent to 100 ergs per gram of tissue; 100 rad = 1 Gy. Symbol for radian.
2) Abbreviation for racemic.
Radiation Dermatosis
Skin changes at the site of ionizing radiation.
Particularly redness of the skin due to capillary dilatation in the acute stage, temporary or permanent loss of hair, and chronic changes in the epidermis and dermis resembling a premalignant warty lesion.
Radiation Oncologist
A doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat tumors.
A radiologist who specializes in radiation treatment of neoplasms – abnormal tissue growths (malignant or nonmalignant).
Radiation Oncology
The medical specialty of radiation therapy.
The study of radiation treatment of abnormal tissue growths (malignant or nonmalignant).
Radiation Therapy
The use of radiation energy to interfere with tumor growth. See irradiation.
The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that travels in the blood to tissues throughout the body. Also called irradiation and radiotherapy.
Radiographic
Of or relating to radiography.
Referring to the examination of any part of the body for diagnostic purposes by means of x-rays or other diagnostic modalities.
Radiography
Examination of any part of the body for diagnostic purposes by means of x-rays with the record of the findings usually impressed upon a photographic film.
Radiography is the examination of a specimen or any part of the body, usually for diagnostic purposes, by means of roentgen rays, recording the image on a sensitized surface such as photographic film.
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. An x-ray machine sends individual x-ray particles, called photons, that pass through the body and the images are recorded by special film or a computer. Bone and structures that are dense will block most of the x-ray particles, appearing white in the image. Metal and contrast media or special dye will also appear white. Structures containing air will be black and muscle, fat, and fluid will appear in the image as shades of gray.
Radiologist
A physician trained in the diagnostic and/or therapeutic use of x-rays and radionuclides, radiation physics, and biology.
A diagnostic radiologist may also be trained in diagnostic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging and applicable physics.
Radiology
1) The science of high energy radiation and of the sources and the chemical, physical, and biologic effects of such radiation; the term usually refers to the diagnosis and treatment of disease. 2) The scientific discipline of medical imaging using ionizing radiation, radionuclides, nuclear magnetic resonance, and ultrasound.
Branch of medicine that deals with the use of radiant energy including X rays, gamma rays, radiowaves, high frequency sound waves in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Radiopaque
Impenetrable by x-rays or any other form of radiation.
Radiopaque dye (one that is highlighted on x-rays) is used in cerebral angiograms to detect the degree of narrowing or obstruction of an artery or blood vessel in the brain, head, or neck; in the diagnosis of stroke, determining the location and size of a brain tumor, aneurysm, or vascular malformation.
Radioresistant
Resistant to radiation therapy.
Requiring high radiation therapy doses with associated high risks.
Radiosensitive
Responsive to radiation therapy.
Sensitive to the effects of radiant energy.
Radiosurgery
See stereotactic radiosurgery.
See stereotactic radiosurgery.
Radiotherapist
A specialist in radiotherapy.
One who practices radiotherapy or is versed in radiotherapeutics.
Radiotherapy
The medical specialty concerned with the use of electromagnetic or particulate radiation in the treatment of disease.
The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy). Systemic radiotherapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that travels in the blood to tissues throughout the body. Also called irradiation and radiation therapy.
