Oncologic Emergencies (eg. whole brain, SVC, cord compression) Flashcards
T/F:
In certain cases, patients may require emergency doses of radiation
TRUE
Oncologic emergencies are indicated for what scenarios? - (4)
- tumors pressing on and obstructing the superior vena cava (SVC)
- skeletal mets (bone mets)
- brain mets that cause increased intracranial pressure
- vaginal bleeding
in oncologic emergencies, it is common to do what with treatments?
give 1 or 2 trts with high doses to reduce symptoms
what are treatment fields for oncologic emergencies?
typically, simple open fields with no field shaping
after the initial 1-2 high dose trts, what happens to the doses of oncologic emergencies?
the doses are lessened to avg. trt doses and with a trt plan we would begin using MLCs and other field shaping
Oncologic emergency treatments are typically Palliative OR Curative?
Palliative
what’s the difference between Palliative and Curative?
Palliative = treated for pain
Curative = treating to cure
T/F:
pain may not be present for emergent GYN
TRUE
what is the clinical presentation for emergent GYN?
excessive bleeding
what does a “cystoscopy” workup do?
examines bladder and urethra lining
how does radiation to local site of emergent GYN stop the bleeding?
by activating coagulating cells
what else, besides radiation can stop emergent GYN from bleeding temporarily?
ferric sulfate
what is dosage for emergent GYN?
initial large doses of 300-400 cGy for 1-5 fractions
to then be followed by tapered doses according to primary site and physician order
what are the specific radiation borders for emergent GYN
hint Standard Octagon
INCLUDE PIC SIM LAB
sup border - sacrum
inf border - obturator foramens
lat borders - pelvic brim (ie. true pelvis or pelvic inlet)
what field arrangements does emergent GYN typically use?
AP/PA
