Mesothelioma Glossary R

Click on the letters below for an explanation of the glossary terms for each letter.

A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J   K   L   M   N   O   P   Q   R   S   T   U   V   W   X   Y   Z  

Radiation - the use of energy waves to diagnose or treat disease. Gamma rays and X-rays are two of the types of energy waves often used in medicine.

Radiation therapy - the use of high-energy rays to destroy or shrink cancer cells, stopping them from growing and dividing. It is a local treatment that affects cancer cells only in the treated area.

Radiographic changes - irregular opacities in the lung bases that gradually extend into the upper lung zones that appear on X-ray films. The changes may be pleural thickening with subsequent pleural plaques.

Rales - abnormal lung sounds accompanying normal respiratory sounds. They indicate inflammation, fluid, or infection in the air sacs of the lung.

Remission - disappearance of the signs and symptoms of cancer or other disease. A remission can be temporary or permanent.

Resectable - able to be removed (resected) by surgery

Respiratory alkalosis - a condition involving less carbon dioxide than normal. It is a sign of over-breathing in compensation for lack of elasticity in the lungs.

Restrictive lung disease - asbestosis is considered a restrictive lung disease. Fibrosis reduces the lung's elasticity, and this "stiff lung" condition reduces all volumes and capacities of the lungs. Vital capacity and total lung volume decrease proportionately, and there is more rapid breathing to compensate for diminished lung capacity.

Retrosternal - situated or occurring behind the sternum

Risk factor - something that increases the likelihood of cancer

RV (residual volume) - a measure of lung function