gamma knife
Focused radiation scalpel
A gamma knife is a medical device that delivers precisely focused beams of gamma radiation to treat brain tumors and other abnormalities without surgical incision.
Despite the name, no cutting occurs—the "knife" is the converging radiation that destroys targeted tissue while sparing surrounding areas: The tumor was treated with gamma knife radiosurgery.
Radioactive isotope for therapy
- collimatorParallel ray producer
- isocenterBeam intersection point
- linear acceleratorStraight-path particle accelerator
- magnetic resonance imagingScan using powerful magnets
radiobiology · dosimetry · beam · fractionation · calibration · radiation · targeting · localization
Targeted radiation destroying tumors
- outpatientTreated without admission
- bloodlessWithout shedding any gore
- ambulatoryAble to walk
- non-invasiveNot entering the body
frameless · low-risk · recovery · immobilization · treatment session
Abnormal growth in head
- gliomaNeoplasm of neural support cells
- meningiomaTumor from protective brain layers
- metastasisCancer spreading beyond origin
- tremorInvoluntary rhythmic shaking
Degree of correctness
- targetingSelecting as objective
- submillimeterLess than one millimeter
- pinpointLocate with exactness
- focusedDirecting attention narrowly
exactness · specificity · sharpness · image-guided · three-dimensional
Spinal cord and brain operator
- radiologistDoctor analyzing medical images
- neuroradiologistPhysician reading brain scans
- treatment teamProviders coordinating patient care
- neurologistPhysician specializing in nervous system
cobalt-60
Radioactive isotope for therapy
- collimatorParallel ray producer
- isocenterBeam intersection point
- linear acceleratorStraight-path particle accelerator
magnetic resonance imaging · radiobiology · dosimetry · beam · fractionation · calibration · radiation · targeting · localization · alignment
radiosurgery
Targeted radiation destroying tumors
- outpatientTreated without admission
- bloodlessWithout shedding any gore
- ambulatoryAble to walk
non-invasive · frameless · low-risk · recovery · immobilization · treatment session
brain tumor
Abnormal growth in head
- gliomaNeoplasm of neural support cells
- meningiomaTumor from protective brain layers
- metastasisCancer spreading beyond origin
accuracy
Degree of correctness
- targetingSelecting as objective
- submillimeterLess than one millimeter
- pinpointLocate with exactness
focused · exactness · specificity · sharpness · image-guided · three-dimensional
neurosurgeon
Spinal cord and brain operator
- radiologistDoctor analyzing medical images
- neuroradiologistPhysician reading brain scans
- treatment teamProviders coordinating patient care
gamma knifechemotherapy
Anti-cancer drug treatment
watchful waiting · palliative care · immunotherapy · observation