Glossary

Our extensive collection of web-based and other resources for patients, families, and caregivers provides easy access to information on a wide variety of subjects related to pancreatic cancer.

All | # 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
There are currently 20 Terms in this directory beginning with the letter R.
R0 resection
After surgery to remove a tumor, no tumor remains in the edges of the location where the tumor was removed, either visible to the eye or under a microscope.
R1 resection
After surgery to remove a tumor, all the visible tumor was removed but under the microscope there are still visible tumor cells on the edges of the location where the tumor was removed.
Radiation
The use of energy waves to diagnose or treat disease.
Radiation field
The area of the body that receives radiation.
Radiation oncologist
A physician trained in treating cancer with high-dose X-rays.
Radiation therapy
Also called radiotherapy; treatment of cancer with irradiation.
Radioactive
Giving off radiation.
Radioactive glucose
Sugar injected into the body to make specific tissue more visible during a PET scan.
Radiologist
A physician trained to interpret many different imaging techniques.
Radiotherapy
Also called radiation therapy; treatment of cancer with irradiation.
Randomized trial
A clinical trial in which patients are assigned randomly to the different treatments being tested in that trial.
Recurrent cancer
Cancer that has returned after a disease-free period.
Regimen
A plan or a regulated course, such as a diet, exercise, or disease treatment, designed to give a good result.
Regional anesthesia
A type of drug used for short-term loss of feeling or awareness in a part of the body while awake.
Relapse
The return of signs and symptoms of a disease after a remission.
Remission
The signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared as a result of treatment.
Resectable
Cancer that can be surgically removed. In pancreatic cancer, these tumors may lie within the pancreas or extend beyond it, but there is no involvement of the critical arteries or veins in the area. There is no evidence of any spread to areas outside of the tissue removed during a typical surgery for pancreatic cancer.
Resection
Surgery to remove a tumor.
Risk factors
Characteristics, habits, or environmental exposures shown to increase the odds of developing a disease.
RNA (ribonucleic acid)
A molecule that carries information for DNA and carries the same genetic code as DNA.