What is Orthovoltage unit?
Orthovoltage X-rays are sometimes termed “deep” x-rays (DXR). They cover the upper limit of energies used for diagnostic radiography, and are used in external beam radiotherapy to treat cancer and tumors. They penetrate tissue to a useful depth of about 4–6 cm.
How does Megavoltage therapy work?
MEGAVOLTAGE RADIATION THERAPY SERVICES/UNITS Radiation therapy damages or destroys cells in the area being treated primarily by damaging their genetic material, making it impossible for those cells to continue to grow and divide.
What are the side effects of IGRT?
Depending on the area being treated, other early side effects may include:
- hair loss in the treatment area.
- mouth problems and difficulty swallowing.
- eating and digestion problems.
- diarrhea.
- nausea and vomiting.
- headaches.
- soreness and swelling in the treatment area.
- urinary and bladder changes.
What is Linac machine?
A medical linear accelerator (LINAC) is the device most commonly used for external beam radiation treatments for patients with cancer. It delivers high-energy x-rays or electrons to the region of the patient’s tumor.
What is the difference between MeV and MV?
The energy of diagnostic and therapeutic X-rays is expressed in kV or MV. Whereas, the energy of therapeutic electrons is expressed in terms of MeV. In first case, this voltage is the maximum electric potential used by a linac to produce the photon beam. Thus, 1 MV beam will produce photons of no more than about 1 MV.
How are orthovoltage X rays used in cancer treatment?
Orthovoltage X-rays are sometimes termed “deep” x-rays (DXR). They cover the upper limit of energies used for diagnostic radiography, and are used in external beam radiotherapy to treat cancer and tumors. They penetrate tissue to a useful depth of about 4–6 cm.
What is the peak energy of an orthovoltage X ray?
Orthovoltage x-rays are produced by x-ray tubes operating at voltages in the 100–500 kV range, and therefore the x-rays have a peak energy in the 100–500 keV range.
How is orthovoltage used to treat bony metastases?
Relatively high absorption of these low energy x-rays in bone also means that orthovoltage treatment is well suited to the palliative treatment of painful bony metastases in shallow regions such as the ribs and sternum. These above mentioned conditions are those commonly treated with these techniques but do not constitute an exhaustive list.
Where can I get superficial orthovoltage radiotherapy?
Superficial and orthovoltage radiotherapy are offered in 28 centres (55%) nationally. 86% of the relevant equipment is located in the public sector, while the remaining 14% is located at privately owned facilities. Northern Territory is the only jurisdiction which does not offer Superficial and orthovoltage radiotherapy.