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RA

rheumatoid arthritis

radiation

Energy in the form of waves or particles, including radio waves, X-rays and gamma rays.

radiation cystitis

Inflammation of the bladder secondary to radiotherapy, the treatment of disease using radiation.

radical hysterectomy

The surgical removal of the uterus (womb) and cervix (the neck of the uterus), along with other structures including the fallopian tubes and the top of the vagina.

radical prostatectomy

The surgical removal of the entire prostate gland.

radical trachelectomy

Surgery for cervical cancer that removes the cervix (the neck of the uterus), tissue around the cervix and the top part of the vagina.

radioisotope scan

A test that uses tiny amounts of radioactive material that show up with a special camera to produce images of parts of the body

radiologist

A doctor specializing in the interpretation of imaging techniques for the diagnosis and assessment of disease.

radiotherapy

The treatment of disease using radiation.

radiotracer

A substance labelled with a radioisotope that may be used in some imaging investigations.

radiotracers

Substances labelled with a radioisotope that may be used in some imaging investigations.

Rai system

A grading system for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, a malignant condition in which increased numbers of white blood cells, leucocytes, are produced in an immature or abnormal state.

randomised controlled trial

A study comparing the outcomes between one or more different treatments for a disease (or in some instances, preventive measures against that disease) and no active treatment at all (the placebo group). Study participants are allocated to the various groups on a random basis. May be abbreviated to RCT.

randomised controlled trials

Studies comparing the outcomes between one or more different treatments for a disease (or in some instances, preventive measures against that disease) and no active treatment at all (the placebo group). Study participants are allocated to the various groups on a random basis. May be abbreviated to RCT.

randomised study

A study comparing two or more different treatments or preventive measures, where study participants are randomly allocated to either group.

RAST

radioallergosorbent test

RAU

recurrent aphthous ulceration

Raynaud's disease

A rare disorder of the blood vessels.

RCT

Randomised controlled trial. A study comparing the outcomes between one or more different treatments for a disease (or in some instances, preventive measures against that disease) and no active treatment at all (the placebo group). Study participants are allocated to the various groups on a random basis.

reactive hypoglycaemia

A drop in blood sugar occurring after a heavy meal and thought to be due to increased insulin production (in someone who is not diabetic).

reanastomosis

The surgical reattachment of two tubular organs within the body.

recombinant factor VII

Manufactured Factor VII, used for the treatment of uncontrollable bleeding.

rectal

Relating to the rectum, the lowest part of the bowel leading to the anus.

rectocoele

The protrusion of the rectal mucous membrane through the anus.