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Glossary

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  • Pulmonary angiogram

    Pulmonary angiography is a test to see how blood flows through the lung. Angiography is an imaging test that uses x-rays and a special dye to see the insides of the arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

  • Pulmonary fibrosis

    Thickened tissue in your lungs causing cough, difficulty breathing, and X-ray changes.

  • Pulmonary function test

    (PUL-muh-NAYR-ee FUNK-shun ...)

    A test used to measure how well the lungs work. It measures how much air the lungs can hold and how quickly air is moved into and out of the lungs. It also measures how much oxygen is used and how much carbon dioxide is given off during breathing. A pulmonary function test can be used to diagnose a lung disease and to see how well treatment for the disease is working. Also called lung function test and PFT.

  • Pulse oximeter

    A device that measures the oxygen saturation of arterial blood in a subject by utilizing a sensor attached typically to a finger, toe, or ear to determine the percentage of oxyhemoglobin in blood pulsating through a network of capillaries.

  • Pulse oximetry

    Pulse oximetry is a test that uses a small, clip-like device called a pulse oximeter (Pulse Ox) to measure oxygen levels in your blood.

  • Quality of life

    KWAH-lih-tee ... life

    The overall enjoyment of life. Many clinical trials assess the effects of cancer and its treatment on the quality of life. These studies measure aspects of an individual’s sense of well-being and ability to carry out activities of daily living.

  • RSV

    A virus that causes respiratory infections with cold-like symptoms. Also called respiratory syncytial virus.

  • Radiation

    RAY-dee-AY-shun

    Energy released in the form of particle or electromagnetic waves. Common sources of radiation include radon gas, cosmic rays from outer space, medical x-rays, and energy given off by a radioisotope (unstable form of a chemical element that releases radiation as it breaks down and becomes more stable). Radiation can damage cells. It is used to diagnose and treat some types of cancer.

  • Radiation Enteritis

    (RAY-dee-AY-shun EN-teh-RY-tis)

    Inflammation of the small intestine caused by radiation therapy to the abdomen, pelvis, or rectum. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and cramping, frequent bowel movements, watery or bloody diarrhea, fatty stools, and weight loss. Some of these symptoms may continue for a long time.

  • Radiation oncologist

    (RAY-dee-AY-shun on-KAH-loh-jist)

    A doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat cancer.