Glossary Index by Letter

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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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

Recurrence

The return of symptoms or the tumor itself, as opposed to a remission. A tumor that has recurred (grown back), usually after a period of time following removal of the tumor.

Rehabilitation

The return of function after illness or injury, often with the assistance of specialized medical professionals. A process to restore mental and/or physical abilities lost to injury or disease, in order to function in a normal or near-normal way. Rehabilitation can...

REM

Rapid eye movement (sleep). Deep sleep with rapid eye movements in which dreaming takes place. One of the five stages of sleep. During REM sleep, the eyes move rapidly while closed and dreams occur. REM sleep is the lightest stage of sleep, during which a person may...

Remission

The disappearance of symptoms; the disappearance of the tumor. A decrease in or disappearance of signs and symptoms of a tumor or cancer. In partial remission, some, but not all, signs and symptoms have disappeared. In complete remission, all signs and symptoms have...

Resection

Surgical removal of a tumor or organ. A procedure that uses surgery to remove tissue or part or all of an organ.

Residual

Remaining tumor. Tumor cells that remain after attempts to remove the tumor have been made.

Respiration

Breathing. To inhale and exhale The words "respiratory" and "respiration" refer to the lungs and breathing, or the movement of respiratory gases, oxygen and carbon dioxide, into and out of the lungs; or a single complete act of breathing. The physical and chemical...

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