Pencil

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Pencil (medical)

Pencil (/ˈpɛnsəl/), from the Latin pencillus, meaning "little tail", is a term used in the medical field to describe a specific type of radiation therapy beam.

Definition

In medical terms, a pencil beam is a narrow, focused beam of proton or photon radiation used in radiation therapy. The beam is designed to match the shape of the tumor, allowing for precise treatment with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Etymology

The term "pencil" in this context is derived from the Latin pencillus, meaning "little tail". This is in reference to the narrow, focused nature of the pencil beam.

Related Terms

  • Radiation therapy: The use of high-energy radiation to treat diseases, particularly cancer. Pencil beam therapy is a type of radiation therapy.
  • Proton therapy: A type of radiation therapy that uses protons instead of x-rays to treat cancer. Pencil beam scanning is a technique used in proton therapy.
  • Photon therapy: A type of radiation therapy that uses photons, or light particles. Pencil beam therapy can also use photons.
  • Tumor: An abnormal growth of cells that may be benign or malignant. Pencil beam therapy is often used to treat tumors.

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