[Volume changes to the neck lymph node metastases in head-neck tumors. The evaluation of radiotherapeutic treatment success].
OBJECTIVE
This work is engaged with the volume change of neck lymph node metastasis of malignant tumors in the head-neck region during radiotherapy.


METHODS
In 54 patients with head and neck tumors, the volume of neck lymph nodes before and after radiation was measured. The volumetry was done with CT planimetry. The total dose was 66 Gy (2 Gy/d) telecobalt from 2 lateral opponated fields. The time of volume change could be defined with measuring of the half-time and the doubling-time by the help of Schwartz formula.


RESULTS
After 10 Gy the volume diminution was about 20% and half-time 24 to 26 days. Afterwards the time of volume diminution picked up speed and finally achieved 60 to 72%. Meanwhile the half-time decreased to the half value. The result was independent of the site of primary tumor, the patient's sex and age.


CONCLUSIONS
In our opinion the effectivity of radiotherapy can best be judged with defining of the volume change of lymph nodes of the neck.
Liszka
G
G
Staatliches Onkologisches Institut, Röntgendiagnostische Abteilung, Budapest, Ungarn.
Thalacker
U
U
Somogyi
A
A
Németh
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck; D011867:Radioisotope Teletherapy / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012074:Remission Induction; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes