Clinical Applications in Radiation Therapy

These flashcards cover key concepts from clinical applications in radiation therapy, focusing on cancer detection, treatment methodologies, anatomical considerations, and symptoms associated with various cancers.

What are hyperfractionation schemes in radiation therapy?

They are not uncommon schemes where higher-than-usual doses of radiation are given in smaller fractions.

What technology is essential for high total doses in radiation therapy?

Extensive treatment planning, IMRT, PET/CT image fusion planning, and complex immobilization systems.

What is the clinical detection for the oral cavity site?

Clinical detection can include Plummer Vinson syndrome , ulcers, leukoplakia,

What is the feature of the superior orbital margin (SOM)?

Located at the roof of the orbit.

What function does the olfactory cranial nerve serve?

It is responsible for the sense of smell.

How many cartilages make up the larynx?

9 cartilages.

What muscle divides the neck into anterior and posterior triangles?

Sternocleidomastoid.

What is the function of the hyoid bone?

Acts as an attachment site for muscles associated with swallowing.

Which lymph nodes receive nearly all of the lymph from the head and neck?

Jugulodigastric nodes.

What is the histologic type of lung cancer associated with asbestos exposure?

Mesothelioma.

What is the common symptom of esophageal cancer?

Dysphagia and weight loss.

What signifies the onset of esophageal cancer in men?

Average age of onset is 60, higher incidence in African Americans.

What are the critical manifestations of lung tumors?

Adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and Pancoast tumor.

What condition is indicated by 'clubbing' of the fingers?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

How many lobes does the right lung have?

Three lobes.

What is a common presenting symptom of stomach cancer?

Vague epigastric discomfort.

What treatment field is suggested for patients with cancer of the upper esophagus?

Radiation therapy.

Define Odynophagia in the context of symptoms.

Painful swallowing.

What are the four primary cancer sites in breast cancer?

Upper outer, upper inner, lower outer, and lower inner quadrants.

What is the most common risk factor for colon cancer?

History of colon polyps.

List the symptoms associated with kidney cancer.

Hematuria, back pain, and a palpable mass.

What is the common treatment for colorectal cancer?

Surgery, Abdominal-perineal resection APR

To which region does esophageal cancer metastasize frequently?

Liver, lungs, bone, adrenals, brain

What is the primary mode of treatment for bladder cancer?

Surgery and chemotherapy.

Define the anatomical location of the pancreas.

Located in a retroperitoneal position behind the stomach.

What are three methods of detecting bladder cancer?

TURBT, urine cytology, and cystoscopy.

What is the primary function of the gallbladder?

Stores bile.

What critical structure is typically included in a treatment field for gastric cancers?

The stomach and proximal duodenum.

How should patients be positioned for treatment of a middle lobe posterior lung tumor?

Tamoxifen

obesity

What is the total dose for prophylactic cranial irradiation?

3000 cGy.

What is the acceptable lung tissue limit included in tangential breast fields?

2.0 cm to minimize the chance of lung toxicity.

The most common histologic type of breast cancer is?

Infiltrating ductal carcinoma.

What potential systemic treatment is used for prostate cancer?

Post menopausal bleeding

List two symptoms of pancreatic cancer.

Obstructive jaundice and abdominal pain.

Define the term 'cachexia'.

Total hysterectomy- BLSO

Post OP RT- 45-50 Gy

Brachytherapy- Vaginal cylinder HDR

What is the recommended treatment dose for treating prostate tumors?

Adenocarcinoma (endometroid)

SCC

What is the functional role of the trachea in relation to other structures?

It serves as a conduit for air passage to the lungs.

How are upper one-third rectum cancer generally treated?

With three-field techniques and a total dose of 50 Gy.

What identifies the most radiotolerant gynecologic organ?

The cervix.

Which stage corresponds to rectal cancer classified by the MAC stage system?

Stage 0 corresponds to MAC stage A.

The function of the gallbladder is primarily to:

Store and concentrate bile.

The most common presenting symptom of bladder cancer is:

Hematuria.