Glossary R
Radiation
In medicine, radiation is primarily used to take images of the body for
diagnosis of various conditions. X-rays and computerised tomography
(CT), use radiation. Cancer treatment can involve the use of x-rays and
other radiation (radiotherapy).
Radiation encologist
A radiation oncologist is a physician who
specialises in treating cancer through radiation therapies and methods.
Radiation oncologists investigate the use of x-rays, electrons and
gamma rays to destroy cancer. Radiation therapy is used on most types
of cancers including bowel cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, skin
cancer, brain tumors and others.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is the safe use of controlled doses of radiation to treat
disease, especially cancer. It is usually given by pointing an X-ray
machine at the part of the body to be treated. Radiotherapy can also be
given internally by:
• drinking liquid,
• having an injection, or
• by having a radioactive implant put into your body.
Radiotherapy is commonly used alongside other treatments such as
chemotherapy (taking drugs to treat cancer), and surgery to remove a
tumour (an abnormal mass of tissue).
If you have cancer, treatment is usually arranged as soon as possible
after your diagnosis. However, some conditions do not respond to
radiotherapy, and it is not suitable for everyone. The timing of your
radiotherapy also depends on what type of cancer or disease you have,
and if you need any other treatment such as surgery or chemotherapy.
Treatment using radiation - radiotherapy is used to treat and control
many kinds of cancer, as well as thyroid disorders and some blood
disorders. It is sometimes used to shrink a cancerous tumour before
surgery to remove it, or to reduce pain and other symptoms of cancer or
disease. It can also be used alongside other treatments such as
chemotherapy, or to destroy diseased cells that remain in the body,
following surgery to remove a tumour.
Your body is made up of millions of cells, which regularly grow and
divide up to form more cells. If radiation is directed at cells in the
body, it damages them and stops them from growing and dividing. Healthy
cells have the ability to repair themselves from damage, while diseased
cells, which are abnormal, are destroyed. The aim of radiotherapy is to
use radiation to destroy as many abnormal cells as possible.
Rectal discharge
Many people with a stoma experience discharge from the back passage
despite the fact that they have a colostomy. Rectal discharge and
whether it causes problems varies from one person to another and, is
quite a private issue, many people don't talk about it making the size
of the problem relatively unknown. Rectal discharge also depends on the
type of surgical procedure performed and whether the rectum was removed
or retained. The most common type of discharge is caused by mucus. Go
to Find infomation to download our booklet called About Rectal
Discharge.
Rectal examination
A digital rectal examination is essential if your medical history
suggests there may be a disorder in the lower abdomen, pelvis, and
lower rectal or anal region. DRE may reveal disorders such as anal
fissures, internal piles, abscesses, an inflamed appendix or an
appendix abscess, growths, such as polyps and especially cancers of the
rectum.
Rectum
The last 6 to 8 inches of the large intestine. The rectum stores solid waste until it leaves the body through the anus.
Respite care
A break from your carer.
Reversal of the stoma
The main reasons temporary stomas are formed are for cancer of the bowel, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis (a condition where pockets in the bowel wall become inflammed and infected) and traumatic injuries to the bowel that mean it has to be rested, so that it may heal. Go to Find infomation to download our booklet called About Stoma Reversal.