Radio-Oncology Glossary
Radio-Oncology
Hi, my name is Delphine. Currently, I am studying in springboard, but next semester I am going in radio-oncology. My glossary will be for people who are interested in this program or in the topic. Cancer is a very sensitive subject and I think that ifs people have more knowledge into this subject it will help everyone to understand more what cancer is and how to treat it. I found all the words and the definitions on the website "uwhealth.org". I want you to read the words and learn about the topic.
- Applicator
- noun
- A device used to hold a radioactive source in place during brachytherapy
- Example: I need my applicator to hold the radioactive source.
- fr: Applicateur
- Boost
- Noun
- An additional dose of radiation that is given after an initial course of radiation to enhance tumor control.
- Example: You have to boost this patient.
- fr: Renforcer
- Brachytherapy
- noun
- Internal radiation therapy that involves placing radioactive sources inside or next to the tumor.
- Example: He had to do a brachytherapy.
- fr: Curiethérapie
- Cancer
- noun
- A group of diseases in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor or mass.
- Example: Your mother has breast cancer.
- fr: Cancer
- Clinical Trials
- noun
- Studies that test new cancer therapies.
- Example: We have to do clinical trials before giving you the drug.
- fr: Essai clinique
- IGRT (Image-guided Radiation Therapy)
- phrase
- A radiation treatment guided by imaging equipment, such as CT, ultrasound, or X-rays, taken in the treatment room just before radiation is given.
- Example: To heal, I have to go in IGRT.
- fr: IGRT (radiothérapie guidée par l'image)
- Immobilization Device
- Noun
- A device that is used to help a patient remain in the same position during every treatment.
- Example: I don't want my patients to move, so I'm using an immobilization device.
- fr: Dispositif d'immobilisation
- IMRT (Intensity-modulated Radiation Therapy)
- Phrase
- IMRT is a specialized form of external beam therapy that can help improve how the radiation is shaped to fit your tumor.
- Example: To fit the tumor, i needed something more precise so I used IMRT.
- fr: IMRT (radiothérapie modulée en intensité)
- Beam films
- noun
- Another term for port films, beam films are pictures of the position of the radiation beams used to treat cancer. They are used to verify the position of the beams and confirm that treatment is delivered to the right place.
- Example: I will have to take a beam film to see where we are placing radiations.
- fr: Films de faisceau
- Blocks
- noun
- Pieces of metal alloy that can be used to shape the radiation beam. Also called cerrobend.
- Example: I will use a blocks to shape the radiation beam.
- fr: Blocs
- Linear Accelerator
- noun
- The most common types of machine used to deliver external radiation therapy.
- Example: Please go on the linear accelerator machine right there.
- fr: Accélérateur linéaire
- Metastases
- Cancer that has spread from one part from the body to another, such as from breast to the lymph nodes or bones
- Example: Now that your cancer has grown, you have metastases everywhere in your body.
- fr: Métastases
- MLC (Multileaf Collimator)
- noun
- A part of a linear accelerator that is used to shape the radiation beam.
- Example: To shape the radiation, I'll need a multileaf collimator.
- fr: MLC (collimateur multi-feuilles)
- Palliative Care
- noun
- Treatment that is intended to relieve symptoms, but not cure disease.
- Example: I'll do a palliative care to stop your symptoms.
- fr: Soins palliatifs
- Radiation Oncologist
- noun
- A doctor who specializes in treatment cancer and other diseases with radiotherapy.
- Example: Mom will need to see a radiation oncologist.
- fr: Radio-oncologue
- Radiotherapy
- noun
- The use of radiation to treat cancer and other diseases.
- Example: To treat your cancer, you will have to do a radiotherapy.
- fr: Radiothérapie
- Simulation
- noun
- The process of planning radiation therapy to allow the radiation to be delivered to the intended location.
- Example: I allow the simulation.
- fr: Simulation
- Tomotherapy
- noun
- A type of machine has the ability to image a patient and deliver radiation therapy treatments.
- Example: We have to do a tomotherapy.
- fr: Tomothérapie
- Treatment plan
- noun
- A radiation oncologist's prescription describing how a patient should be treated with radiation therapy. The radiation oncology team uses special software to maximize radiation to the tumor while sparing healthy tissue.
- Example: I'll give you a treatment plan to know what will do for you.
- fr: Plan de traitement
- Gray (Gy)
- noun
- The modern unit of radiation dosage, equivalent to the deposition of one joule of energy per kilogram of tissue.
- Example: You have the equivalent of 2 Gy per kilograms of tissue.
- fr: Gy
