Radiotherapy thermoplastic masks are an essential component in the treatment of cancer patients who undergo external beam radiation therapy. These masks are used to immobilize the head and neck region, ensuring that the patient is in the correct position during each treatment session. In this way, the target area is irradiated with a precisely defined dose of radiation, minimizing the risk of damaging healthy tissue and reducing the risk of side effects.
The use of radiotherapy thermoplastic masks has become increasingly common in recent years, as radiation therapy has become an increasingly important part of cancer treatment. This is because external beam radiation therapy can be very effective in killing cancer cells, but it is also important to ensure that the patient is positioned correctly during each treatment session to minimize the risk of damage to healthy tissue.
There are several different models of radiotherapy thermoplastic masks available, each with its own specific features and benefits. Some of the most common models include full-head masks, which cover the entire head and neck region, and face masks, which only cover the face. There are also masks that are designed specifically for use during image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), which allows the radiation therapist to make small adjustments to the patient’s position during treatment to ensure that the target area is being accurately irradiated.
Example of radiotherapy mask
The materials used in the manufacture of radiotherapy thermoplastic masks are carefully selected to ensure that they are safe and effective for use during radiation therapy. One of the most commonly used materials is a type of thermoplastic polymer, which is a type of plastic that can be heated and molded into a specific shape. This type of plastic is ideal for use in radiotherapy masks because it is both lightweight and strong, and it can be molded into a precise shape to ensure that the patient is positioned correctly during treatment.
Another important material used in the manufacture of radiotherapy thermoplastic masks is a type of foam padding, which is placed between the mask and the patient’s skin. This foam padding is designed to be comfortable and to reduce the risk of skin irritation or pressure sores, which can occur if the mask is not properly padded.
In conclusion, radiotherapy thermoplastic masks play a critical role in the treatment of cancer patients who undergo external beam radiation therapy. These masks are used to immobilize the head and neck region, ensuring that the patient is in the correct position during each treatment session. There are several different models of masks available, and the materials used in their manufacture, such as thermoplastic polymers and foam padding, are carefully selected to ensure that they are safe and effective for use during radiation therapy.
