Cartilage: the 'F'-factor fallacy.
It remains common practice to treat skin lesions overlying cartilage with electrons, apparently because of an assumption that radiation absorption qualities of non-calcified cartilage are similar to those of bone. We present data based on tissue composition and calculated mass absorption coefficients, supporting the view that such lesions may safely be treated with superficial X-rays.
Atherton
P
P
Department of Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
Townley
J
J
Glaholm
J
J
D002277:Carcinoma / Q000532:radiotherapy; D002356:Cartilage / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D009336:Necrosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy