Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˌiːˌɛlkˈe͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The word "GLK" is typically spelled out by saying the three letters individually: /dʒiː el keɪ/. The first two letters, "g" and "l," are pronounced as a voiced and unvoiced velar stop, respectively. The final letter, "k," is pronounced as an unvoiced velar stop. While it is not a common word, its pronunciation can be important in certain fields such as automotive engineering where it refers to a model of Mercedes-Benz cars.
GLK is an acronym that stands for "Gamma Knife." It refers to a specialized medical device designed for radiosurgery treatment of brain tumors, blood vessel malformations, and other abnormalities in the brain. The Gamma Knife is a non-invasive option used instead of traditional open surgery, making it a preferred choice in many cases.
The Gamma Knife is essentially a highly precise, cutting-edge form of radiation therapy. It employs a set of approximately 200 converging beams of gamma rays to treat specific points within the brain. These beams are focused on the target area with remarkable accuracy, while sparing surrounding healthy tissues.
The GLK system consists of a treatment couch and a helmet-like apparatus that houses the radiation sources. The patient's head is immobilized and aligned precisely using specialized techniques such as stereotactic frames or masks. The gamma rays emitted from the Gamma Knife traverse the helmet and intersect at the target in the brain, delivering a high dose of radiation to the intended area.
The GLK technique is characterized by its ability to precisely deliver concentrated radiation to the target area, enabling doctors to achieve optimal outcomes with minimal side effects. This treatment option is particularly effective for small to medium-sized brain lesions that are otherwise challenging to reach surgically. It is considered safe and has demonstrated successful outcomes in numerous cases, leading to its widespread usage in medical centers worldwide.
