Why is it important to account for backscatter in dosimetry?

Accounting for backscatter in dosimetry is crucial because it can lead to overdosing normal tissues. Backscatter refers to radiation that is reflected back towards the patient after hitting a surface, such as skin or tissues. When calculating the dosage for radiation therapy, the amount of backscatter must be considered to ensure that the actual dose delivered to the targeted area is accurate.

If backscatter is not adequately accounted for, it may result in higher than anticipated radiation doses to normal tissues adjacent to the treatment area. This could potentially cause significant damage to healthy organs and tissues, leading to adverse side effects and complications. Ensuring accurate dosimetry safeguards normal tissues from unnecessary radiation exposure while targeting the tumor effectively, thereby enhancing patient safety and treatment efficacy.