Acrylic Molds For Vaginal Radium Application

Abstract

The great diversity of primary and secondary malignant lesions in the vagina and the marked variation in vaginal dimensions may at times challenge the ingenuity of the most proficient therapist. This is particularly true when there has been a prior supravaginal or total hysterectomy. For the insertion of intracavitary radium, standard applicators, e.g., vaginal segments of cervical units and cylinders made of metal, balsa, or plastic, are frequently suitable, but at times their use may not be permitted by reason of the patient's anatomy or the configuration of the lesions. Individually prepared acrylic molds can provide a solution for these unusual problems. This report describes the experience with the preparation of such molds at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and the Lankenau Hospital (Philadelphia). Material and Methods Since April 1958, specially prepared acrylic acetate molds have been employed in the treatment of 22 patients with primary and metastatic vaginal cancer. Fourteen of th...