An evaluation of computerised tomography (CT) based treatment planning versus digitised image planning (standard planning technique) for carcinoma of the breast, using the four field breast technique

Description

Submitted in fulfillment of Masters in Radiography, Durban University of Technology, Durban, 2007. / Aim/research questions
The aim of the study was to evaluate CT-based treatment planning versus
digitised image planning (standard planning technique) for carcinoma of the
breast, using the four-field breast technique, in terms of the depth of
supraclavicular and axillary nodes, the variability of the breast tissue and the
dose inhomogeneity at the matchline.
The variability of the depth of supraclavicular and axillary nodes has not been
documented in any local or national studies. When simulating patients for
treatment, it is evident that the anatomical variability of patient chest wall
thickness, shape and size is a contributing factor towards the final treatment
plan and dose distribution achieved. Therefore knowing the correct depth of
the nodes and being able to clearly demarcate the breast tissue should result
in a favourable dose administration.
The following questions were addressed:
 What is the dose to the supraclavicular nodes from both plans?
 What is the dose to the axillary nodes from both plans?
 How do the plans differ in terms of dose coverage to the
supraclavicular and axillary nodes?
 What is the relationship between the depth of the supraclavicular
nodes and the patient separation?
ii
 What is the relationship between the depth of the axillary nodes and
the patient separation?
 Does the target volume receive adequate dose coverage from the
plans?
 How is dose to the heart volume affected by target coverage on
both plans?
 How is dose to the lung volume affected by target coverage on both
plans?
 What is the dose variability along the matchline?
 Are the plans over dosing?
 Are the plans under dosing? / M

Links & Downloads

1. 307242
2. http://hdl.handle.net/10321/123

Tags

Tomography

Radiography, Medical

Cross-sectional imaging

Cancer--Tomography

Breast--Tomography

Radiography--Dissertations, Academic

Additional Fields

Identifer	oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:dut/oai:ir.dut.ac.za:10321/123
Date	January 2007
Creators	Govender, Yoguvathie
Source Sets	South African National ETD Portal
Language	English
Detected Language	English
Type	Thesis