See radiation hazards; radiotherapy.
The use of naturally occurring isotopes, or arti?cially produced X-rays, in the killing of tumour cells. The amount of radiation is the adsorbed dose; the SI unit is the gray (Gy).
Di?erent tumours seem to be particularly sensitive to radiation; radiotherapy plays an important role in the management of germ-cell tumours (SEMINOMA; TERATOMA) and lymphomas (see LYMPHOMA). Many head and neck tumours, gynaecological cancers, and localised prostate and bladder cancers are curable with radiotherapy. It may be used to reduce the pain
– for example, from bone metastases.
Unwanted effects Generalised: lethargy, loss of appetite. Skin: ERYTHEMA, dry desquamation with itching, moist desquamation. Patients should keep the treated area(s) dry and clean and avoid soap, antiseptic mouthwashes, smoking and spicy food if possible. (See ISOTOPE; RADIATION SICKNESS; RADIOTHERAPY).
n. 1. exposure of the body to ionizing radiation (see ionization). For humans the source may be background radiation, diagnostic X-rays, radiotherapy, or nuclear accidents. 2. exposure of a substance or object to ionizing radiation. Irradiation of food with gamma rays, which kill bacteria, is a technique used in food preservation.
The treatment of food with ionizing radiation to kill bacteria, moulds, insects, and other parasites. It improves the keeping qualities of food and is a means of controlling some types of food poisoning. It does not destroy bacterial toxins, however, and may destroy vitamins. Irradiation does not render food radioactive.... irradiation of food
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