Radiation Genetics
A subdiscipline of genetics that studies RADIATION EFFECTS on the components and processes of biological inheritance.
Radiation Dosage
The amount of radiation energy that is deposited in a unit mass of material, such as tissues of plants or animal. In RADIOTHERAPY, radiation dosage is expressed in gray units (Gy). In RADIOLOGIC HEALTH, the dosage is expressed by the product of absorbed dose (Gy) and quality factor (a function of linear energy transfer), and is called radiation dose equivalent in sievert units (Sv).
Radiation, Ionizing
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION or particle radiation (high energy ELEMENTARY PARTICLES) capable of directly or indirectly producing IONS in its passage through matter. The wavelengths of ionizing electromagnetic radiation are equal to or smaller than those of short (far) ultraviolet radiation and include gamma and X-rays.
Radiation Injuries
Harmful effects of non-experimental exposure to ionizing or non-ionizing radiation in VERTEBRATES.
Genetics
Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
Radiation Tolerance
The ability of some cells or tissues to survive lethal doses of IONIZING RADIATION. Tolerance depends on the species, cell type, and physical and chemical variables, including RADIATION-PROTECTIVE AGENTS and RADIATION-SENSITIZING AGENTS.
Radiation
Emission or propagation of acoustic waves (SOUND), ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY waves (such as LIGHT; RADIO WAVES; GAMMA RAYS; or X-RAYS), or a stream of subatomic particles (such as ELECTRONS; NEUTRONS; PROTONS; or ALPHA PARTICLES).
Radiation Protection
Radiation Monitoring
The observation, either continuously or at intervals, of the levels of radiation in a given area, generally for the purpose of assuring that they have not exceeded prescribed amounts or, in case of radiation already present in the area, assuring that the levels have returned to those meeting acceptable safety standards.
Radiation Oncology
A subspecialty of medical oncology and radiology concerned with the radiotherapy of cancer.
Genetics, Population
Cosmic Radiation
Radiation Injuries, Experimental
Experimentally produced harmful effects of ionizing or non-ionizing RADIATION in CHORDATA animals.
Radiation Pneumonitis
Inflammation of the lung due to harmful effects of ionizing or non-ionizing radiation.
Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced
Tumors, cancer or other neoplasms produced by exposure to ionizing or non-ionizing radiation.
Gamma Rays
Penetrating, high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from atomic nuclei during NUCLEAR DECAY. The range of wavelengths of emitted radiation is between 0.1 - 100 pm which overlaps the shorter, more energetic hard X-RAYS wavelengths. The distinction between gamma rays and X-rays is based on their radiation source.
Background Radiation
Radiotherapy
The use of IONIZING RADIATION to treat malignant NEOPLASMS and some benign conditions.
Genetics, Behavioral
Radiometry
The measurement of radiation by photography, as in x-ray film and film badge, by Geiger-Mueller tube, and by SCINTILLATION COUNTING.
Radiotherapy Dosage
Ultraviolet Rays
That portion of the electromagnetic spectrum immediately below the visible range and extending into the x-ray frequencies. The longer wavelengths (near-UV or biotic or vital rays) are necessary for the endogenous synthesis of vitamin D and are also called antirachitic rays; the shorter, ionizing wavelengths (far-UV or abiotic or extravital rays) are viricidal, bactericidal, mutagenic, and carcinogenic and are used as disinfectants.
Radiation Effects
The effects of ionizing and nonionizing radiation upon living organisms, organs and tissues, and their constituents, and upon physiologic processes. It includes the effect of irradiation on food, drugs, and chemicals.
Combined Modality Therapy
Radiation-Sensitizing Agents
Drugs used to potentiate the effectiveness of radiation therapy in destroying unwanted cells.
Radiation-Protective Agents
Melanoma
A malignant neoplasm derived from cells that are capable of forming melanin, which may occur in the skin of any part of the body, in the eye, or, rarely, in the mucous membranes of the genitalia, anus, oral cavity, or other sites. It occurs mostly in adults and may originate de novo or from a pigmented nevus or malignant lentigo. Melanomas frequently metastasize widely, and the regional lymph nodes, liver, lungs, and brain are likely to be involved. The incidence of malignant skin melanomas is rising rapidly in all parts of the world. (Stedman, 25th ed; from Rook et al., Textbook of Dermatology, 4th ed, p2445)
Melanocytes
Mammalian pigment cells that produce MELANINS, pigments found mainly in the EPIDERMIS, but also in the eyes and the hair, by a process called melanogenesis. Coloration can be altered by the number of melanocytes or the amount of pigment produced and stored in the organelles called MELANOSOMES. The large non-mammalian melanin-containing cells are called MELANOPHORES.
Melanoma, Experimental
Experimentally induced tumor that produces MELANIN in animals to provide a model for studying human MELANOMA.