What is critical to prevent underdose or overdose in head and neck treatments?

Matching the borders of treatment fields is critical in head and neck treatments to prevent both underdose and overdose because it ensures that the prescribed radiation dose is accurately delivered to the intended target area while sparing surrounding healthy tissues. In head and neck cancer treatments, the anatomy can be complex, and it is vital to align the treatment fields precisely with the tumor location and size, as well as with the surrounding critical structures like salivary glands, spinal cord, and organs at risk.

When treatment fields are mismatched or poorly delineated, there is a significant risk of either missing the tumor entirely (leading to an underdose) or inadvertently exposing healthy tissue to excessive radiation (leading to an overdose). Careful planning and execution of field borders allow for optimum dosage distribution, maximizing tumor control while minimizing side effects, thus enhancing treatment efficacy and patient safety.

This principle is upheld by the use of advanced imaging and precise localization techniques in medical dosimetry, which help to accurately define the treatment volumes and ensure that the radiation is delivered according to the established treatment plan.