Advantages and limitations of computed tomography scans for treatment planning of lung cancer

Journal Article · Wed Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1982 · Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0360-3016(82)90626-5· OSTI ID:6854397

Mira, J G; Potter, J L; Fullerton, G D; Ezekiel, J

Forty-five Chest computed tomography (CT) scans performed on patients with lung carcinoma (LC) were evaluated in an attempt to understand the pattern of intrathoracic tumor spread and the advantages and limitations this technique offers for treatment planning when compared to planning done by conventional X rays. The following findings can help treatment planning. (1) When regular X rays do not show location (i.e., hemithorax opacification), CT scan will show it in 68% of patients. If regular X rays show a well localized mass, unsuspected tumor extensions were disclosed in 78% of these patients. Hence, CT scans should be done in all LC patients prior to treatment planning; (2) Mediastinal masses frequently spread anteriorly toward the sternum and posteriorly around the vertebral bodies toward the cord and costal pleura. This should be considered for radiotherapy boost techniques; (3) Lung masses spread in one third of cases toward the lateral costal pleura. Thus, the usual 1-2cm of safety margin around the LC are not sufficient in some cases; (4) Tumor size can appear much smaller in regular X rays than in CT scans. Hence, CT scans are necessary for accurate staging and evaluation of tumor response. Some CT scan limitations are: (1) Atelectasis blends with tumor in approximately half of the patients, thus obscuring tumor boundaries; (2) CT numbers and contrast enhancement did not help to differentiate between these two structures; and (3) Limited definition of CT scan prevents investigation of suspected microscopic spread around tumor masses.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
• OSTI ID: 6854397
• Journal Information: Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States), Vol. 8:9
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
BIOMEDICAL RADIOGRAPHY
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DIAGNOSTIC USES
COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY
RADIOTHERAPY
PLANNING
CARCINOMAS
LUNGS
X RADIATION
BODY
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
DISEASES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MEDICINE
NEOPLASMS
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ORGANS
RADIATIONS
RADIOLOGY
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
THERAPY
TOMOGRAPHY
USES
550603* - Medicine- External Radiation in Therapy- (1980-)
550602 - Medicine- External Radiation in Diagnostics- (1980-)