Cranial Irradiation is a medical term used to describe a treatment method that involves exposing the brain to radiation. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The first part "Cranial" can be transcribed as /ˈkreɪniəl/, with the stress on the first syllable "krey". The second part "Irradiation" can be transcribed as /ɪˌreɪdiˈeɪʃ(ə)n/, with the stress on the second syllable "ray". Knowing the IPA transcription can help to ensure the correct pronunciation and spelling of medical terms.
Cranial irradiation is a medical procedure that involves the targeted application of radiation therapy to the head and/or brain region. It is commonly used as part of cancer treatment to kill or control the growth of cancer cells in the brain, usually following surgery to remove a brain tumor or as a preventative measure against potential spread of cancer to the brain. The procedure delivers high-energy radiation beams to the specific area of the head where the tumor is located or where metastatic cancer may be at risk of developing.
Cranial irradiation is typically administered using external beam radiation therapy, where a radiation machine outside the body directs the radiation towards the head. The treatment may be delivered in multiple sessions over a period of days or weeks, depending on the specific case and tumor size.
While cranial irradiation is effective for targeting and killing cancer cells, it also poses risks and potential side effects. Some common side effects include fatigue, hair loss, skin reactions, and nausea. Depending on the dose and radiation fields employed, more severe complications such as cognitive impairment and neurological deficits may also occur, particularly in pediatric patients who are still developing.
Overall, cranial irradiation is a specialized medical procedure that utilizes radiation therapy to target cancer cells in the head and brain. It plays a crucial role in cancer treatment to control, eradicate, or prevent the spread of cancerous tumors to the brain.
The word "cranial" is derived from the Latin word "cranium", which means "skull". It is related to the Greek word "kranion". "Irradiation" is derived from the Latin word "irradiare", which means "to shine upon" or "to expose to radiation". Therefore, "cranial irradiation" refers to the exposure of the skull or brain to radiation.