What is the primary consideration when using adjacent electron fields that abut on the skin or at a depth?

When using adjacent electron fields that abut on the skin or at a specific depth, the primary consideration is preventing overdosing around the junction. This is crucial because the overlap of electron fields can result in a higher radiation dose at the junction area compared to the surrounding tissues.

In electron beam therapy, the radiation dose needs to be carefully managed to avoid creating hot spots where the dose could exceed the prescribed level. These hot spots may lead to unnecessary damage to healthy tissues while ensuring the targeted area receives an adequate dose. Therefore, proper attention must be given to the junction point to maintain uniform dosage and capitalize on the therapeutic benefits without increasing toxicity or side effects.

Effective techniques such as the use of bolus material or compensating beyond the junction point are often employed to mitigate this risk and ensure that the dose distribution within the treatment area remains as uniform as possible. This careful planning and execution are essential to achieving optimal treatment outcomes in radiation therapy.