Irradiation

Treatment by ionizing radiation, such as x-rays, or radioactive sources such as radioactive iodine seeds. 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...

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel function – alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea. Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder characterized most commonly by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. IBS causes a great deal...

Laser

An acronym of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. A surgical tool that creates intense heat and power when focused at close range, destroying cells by vaporizing them.

Lateral

In radiology, slang for a lateral X-ray. In anatomy, the side of the body or a body part that is farther from the middle or center of the body. Typically, lateral refers to the outer side of the body part, but it is also used to refer to the side of a body part. For...