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Glossary of Terms
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
| A treatment method used in addition to the primary therapy. Radiation therapy often is used as an adjuvant to surgery. Chemotherapy can also be considered adjuvant therapy in some cases. | |
| The removal of a sample of tissue, which is then examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells. When only a sample of tissue is removed, the procedures called incisional biopsy; when the whole tumor is removed, it is excisional biopsy. Removing tissue or fluid with a needle is called needle biopsy or needle aspiration. | |
Blocks |
| A metal alloy (similar to lead) customize to the individual patient to provide precise blocking around the treatment area. |
Bolus |
| Material (Vaseline gauze, wet towel) used over the treatment area to enhance the radiation dose to the skin surface. |
Boost |
| An additional dose of radiation to a reduced size radiation field; not necessarily a higher dose of radiation. |
Brachytherapy (BRAK-y THER-ah pee) |
| Internal radiation achieved by implanting radioactive material directly into the tumor or very close to it. Some times called "internal radiation therapy." |
| Treatment with anticancer drugs. | |
Complete Blood Count |
| A measure of red blood cells which carry oxygen and nutrients to all your body cells; white blood cells which help fight infection; and platelets which help blood clot. |
Cone Down |
| Reduction of the size of the radiation fields; sometimes referred to as a boost. |
CT Scan (Computerized Tomography or CAT Scan) |
| A type of radiographic study that takes multiple images through the transverse plane of a body region. These images are routinely used in Radiation Oncology to precisely design the optimal plan of treatment. |
| Peeling of the skin sometimes seen as an effect of radiation therapy. | |
Dosimetrist (do-SIM-uh-trist) |
| A person who plans and calculates the proper radiation dose for treatment. |
| A stream of particles with limited depth of penetration that produces high-energy radiation to treat cancer. | |
External Radiation |
| Radiation therapy that uses a machine located outside of the body to aim high-energy rays at cancer cells. |
| The daily dose of radiation. | |
| High-energy, penetrating radiation emitted in the radioactive decay of many radionuclides. Gamma rays are similar to x-rays, but x- rays generally have lower energy. | |
Gray |
| A unit of radiation dose equal to 1 joule of energy deposited in 1 kg of tissue or other material. The gray (Gy) is an SI unit and is equal to 100 rad. |
| Division of the total dose of radiation into smaller doses that are given more than once a day. | |
| A small container of radioactive material placed in or near a cancer. | |
Informed Consent | The written explanation detailing your treatment, potential side effects, and risks and benefits. In signing this document, you give your informed consent to receive treatment. | |
Intracavitar Radiation | A radioactive (implant) placed in a body cavity such as the chest cavity or the vagina. | |
Irradiate | To expose to radiation. | |
| A machine that creates high-energy radiation to treat cancers, using electricity to form a stream of fast-moving subatomic particles. Also called mega-voltage (MeV) linear accelerator or a linac. | |
| A doctor who specializes in using chemotherapy to treat cancer. | |
Metastasis (meh-TAS-ta-sis) |
| The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. Cells in the metastatic (secondary) tumor are like those in the original (primary) tumor. |
| A doctor who specializes in treating cancer can be surgical, medical, or radiation oncologist. | |
| Treatment to relieve, rather than cure, symptoms caused by cancer. Palliative care can help people live more comfortable. | |
Photon Beam Radiation Therapy |
| A form of external radiation from a linear accelerator capable of treating tumors localized at deep sites in the body. |
Photon Radiation |
| Forms of electromagnetic radiation such as x-rays, gamma rays, and sunlight. |
Physician Assistant (PA) |
| Health care professional licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. Common services provided by a PA include performing physical examinations, ordering and interpreting lab tests, diagnosing and treating illnesses; assisting in surgery; prescribing and/or dispensing medication; and counseling patients. |
Port Film |
| A radiograph (x-ray) taken on the treatment machine to verify the treatment field. |
Positioning Device |
| Aids in positioning and duplicating position from day to day. May be custom made for the individual patient. |
| The area to which radiation is being delivered. | |
Radiation |
| A type of energy in the form of waves or particles. x-rays and gamma rays are electromagnetic waves of radiation, as is visible light. Particulate radiation includes alpha and beta radiation. The types of radiation capable of producing ions in matter are collectively referred to as "ionizing radiation." |
Radiation Oncologist |
| A doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat cancer. |
Radiation Physicist |
| A person trained to ensure that the radiation machine delivers the right amount of radiation to the treatment site. |
Radiation Therapist |
| A person with specialized training who runs the equipment that delivers the radiation. |
Radiation Therapy |
| The use of high-energy penetrating rays or subatomic particles to treat disease. Types of radiation include x-ray, electron beams, alpha and beta particles and gamma rays. |
| A process involving special x-ray pictures that are used to plan radiation treatment so that the area to be treated is precisely located and marked. | |
Simulator |
| A special machine that looks like a linear accelerator and is used for simulation. |
| The place on the body at which the radiation beam is aimed. | |
Tumor |
| An abnormal mass of tissue. Tumors are either benign or malignant |
