Measuring the radiation
Determining the dosage of radiation you will receive (the scientific term is “dosimetry”)
is central to the outcome.
Different types of tumors require different amounts of radiation. The site
of the tumor within the body affects the amount of radiation to be delivered.
The size of the tumor is a factor. Because radiation is usually more effective
on cells that are actively or quickly dividing, the cell cycle must also be
considered.
There is a critical balance to be achieved between destroying the cancer cells
and sparing the normal ones, since damage to normal cells may lead to adverse
side effects.
How dosage is measured
The detectors most commonly used to measured radiation dosage are TLD (Thermal
Luminescent Detectors) and diode devices.
TLDs offer the advantage of being both small in size
and relatively accurate, and wireless. However, there’s a long delay
between measurement and readout, and the device is difficult to label and
handle.
Unlike TLDs, diode devices do provide an immediate readout and are very sensitive.
However, they include cumbersome wiring and regular and careful calibration.
Neither device is patient or user friendly
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