Barium: a radiographic contrast agent used in radiation oncology during simulation to visualise specific
organs (e.g., esophagus, stomach, bowel).
Bite Block: a treatment device that is placed in the patient's mouth during treatment for the purpose of
positioning oral structures in the radiation beam. Also called a mouthbite or stent.
Block: a treatment device made from a lead alloy that is placed in part of the radiation beam by
attaching it to the treatment unit on a plastic tray for the purpose of preventing the beam form entering a
portion of the body. A block is used either to spare sensitive or uninvolved body organs.
Brachytherapy: refers to radiation therapy given form a very short distance form the radiation source,
that is, radioactive needles, seeds, liquid, or tubes are placed inside a body cavity or organ or on the skin
Cesium: an element made radioactive and used in Brachytherapy, gene rally in the form of either
needles or tubes.
Cone Down Boost: An additional radiation dose delivered to a more narrowly defined port.
Conformal Radiation Therapy: Conformal therapy allows for the radiation beam to conform to the
tumour's contour and size, reducing side effects and increasing cure rates.
Contrast Material: liquid or gel -type agents introduced into a body cavity for the purpose of
visualising specific organs.
Computerised Tomography(CT): a specialised x-ray taken by a "CT" scanner that takes "slices" of a
body part.
D
Dosimetry: the measurement of radiation dose.
Dummy: a radioactive source that is made to simulate the size and appearance of a radioactive source
on a verification X-Ray. It is used to prevent radiation exposure to the healthcare workers during the
planning phase for a Brachytherapy treatment.
E
Electron Therapy: A form of radiation therapy in which the radiation oncologist selects a specific
shallow depth and treats only this area without treating structures above and below this interest point.
F
Field: a specific area of the body designated for treatment. Generally a field is named by the part of the
body that the radiation beam enters
Fraction: Pertaining to a portion of the whole treatment course. Generally a fraction can be described as
a treatment visit. Most radiation treatment courses are "fractionated" i.e., the total prescribed dose is
divided into several treatment visits or fractions. e.g., A total dose of 3OO0cGy may be divided into 10
treatment visits or fractions of 300 cGy each.
H
HDR: High dose rate. Refers to a particular method of delivering a dose for Brachytherapy in which the
dose rate is much higher than in conventional Brachytherapy.
Hyperfractionation: the delivery of treatments more than once per day. pIn radiation oncology this
term generally refers to two or three treatment visits per day with a separation of at least six hours
between treatments.
Hyperthermia: the use of heat to help to intensify the effects of radiation
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