Radiotherapy: meaning, definitions and examples
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radiotherapy
[ˌreɪdiəʊˈθɛrəpi ]
Definitions
medical treatment
Radiotherapy is a treatment for cancer that uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. It can be used on its own or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy.
Synonyms
radiation therapy, radiation treatment.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| radiotherapy |
This is a duplicate term and is identical to the first entry referencing the use of radiation to treat medical conditions, commonly cancer. Usage and examples are the same as for 'radiotherapy'.
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| radiation therapy |
This term is used interchangeably with radiotherapy but is more descriptive about the type of treatment. It can be used in both professional medical environments and by laypeople to describe the treatment.
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| radiation treatment |
This term is a more general way to describe any form of medical treatment that involves radiation. It can be understood by both medical professionals and the general public.
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Examples of usage
- His doctor recommended radiotherapy to treat the tumor.
- She underwent radiotherapy after her surgery.
oncology
Radiotherapy is a common form of cancer treatment that aims to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells.
Synonyms
radiation therapy, radiation treatment.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| radiotherapy |
Commonly used in medical contexts within Europe and many parts of the world to describe the treatment of disease, particularly cancer, using radiation.
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| radiation therapy |
Frequently used in the United States and generally refers to the medical treatment involving the use of high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells.
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| radiation treatment |
Typically used in conversation and less formal medical settings to describe the use of radiation as a treatment method for diseases, especially cancer.
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Examples of usage
- The patient's radiotherapy sessions lasted for six weeks.
- The side effects of radiotherapy can include fatigue and skin irritation.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term combines 'radio' from Latin 'radius', meaning 'ray', and 'therapy' from Greek 'therapeia', meaning 'healing'.
- The use of rays in medicine dates back to the early 20th century, soon after the discovery of X-rays.
Historical Milestones
- The first documented use of radiotherapy was in 1896, following the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen.
- In the 1920s, doctors began using radium, an element that emits radiation, for cancer treatment.
- The development of linear accelerators in the 1950s revolutionized the delivery of radiotherapy, allowing for more precise treatments.
Pop Culture
- In films and TV, radiotherapy is often depicted as a pivotal treatment moment, showcasing patient courage.
- Documentaries about cancer treatments frequently highlight the journey of individuals undergoing radiotherapy, emphasizing both the struggles and successes.
Science
- Radiotherapy can be delivered externally via machines or internally using radioactive materials placed close to the tumor.
- It works by targeting quickly dividing cells, which is why it's commonly used for cancer treatments, as cancer cells grow faster than normal cells.
Psychology
- Patients undergoing treatment may experience anxiety, so psychological support is important during radiotherapy.
- The effects of radiotherapy can impact mental health, prompting discussions about the importance of a holistic care approach that includes emotional support.
Translations
Translations of the word "radiotherapy" in other languages:
🇵🇹 radioterapia
🇮🇳 रेडियोथेरेपी
🇩🇪 Strahlentherapie
🇮🇩 radioterapi
🇺🇦 радіотерапія
🇵🇱 radioterapia
🇯🇵 放射線治療 (ほうしゃせんちりょう)
🇫🇷 radiothérapie
🇪🇸 radioterapia
🇹🇷 radyoterapi
🇰🇷 방사선 치료 (방사선 치료)
🇸🇦 العلاج الإشعاعي
🇨🇿 radioterapie
🇸🇰 rádioterapia
🇨🇳 放射治疗 (fàngshè zhìliáo)
🇸🇮 radioterapija
🇮🇸 geislameðferð
🇰🇿 сәулелік терапия
🇬🇪 რადიოთერაპია
🇦🇿 radioterapiya
🇲🇽 radioterapia