The Distribution of Roentgen Radiation Within the Average Female Pelvis for Different Physical Factors of Irradiation

Abstract

IN the radiation treatment of carcinoma of the uterine cervix, a sufficient dose must be delivered not only to the primary lesion, but to the parametrial regions as well. Healy (1) has repeatedly stressed the fact that when radium is applied to the cervix alone it can be relied upon to control the disease directly in and about the primary lesion, but that it is incapable of destroying the tumor more than 3 or perhaps 4 cm. from the cervical canal. Some other means must be employed in an attempt to deliver a lethal dose of radiation to the outlying tumor-bearing regions. External irradiation with roentgen rays is the method used most commonly for this purpose, and it is rapidly assuming a greater importance in the treatment of cervical cancer. In many clinics particular schemes for the administration of pelvic irradiation have been developed, to increase the dose delivered to the tumor, and to improve the distribution of radiation throughout the pelvis. Further advancement in the treatment of cervical canc...