Use of ultrasound scan in prostatic I-125 implantation

The average dimension of prostate was measured by transabdominal ultrasonography preoperatively to compare with direct intraoperative measurements in 28 patients undergoing suprapubic I-125 seed implantation for the treatment of prostatic cancer. A highly significant correlation (r = 0.932) was found between these two measurements. Transabdominal ultrasonography is a relatively simple and accurate non-invasive method of determining the number of I-125 seeds needed to implant the patient with prostatic malignancy.

High-energy irradiation in the management of chondrosarcoma

We present a retrospective analysis of seven patients with chondrosarcoma of the bone treated by high-energy irradiation between 1961 and 1976. Its major role in this series was prevention of local recurrence in cases with inadequate resection. In three of the five cases in which radiation therapy was adjuvant rather than primary treatment, long-term local control was obtained in a dose of 5,000 to 6,500 rads in five to six weeks. Although primary treatment of chondrosarcoma is surgical, high-dose radiation therapy is indicated when surgical resection is not possible. Chondrosarcoma can respond to high doses of irradiation even though the response is slow.

Uterine perforation during intracavitary application. Prognostic significance in carcinoma of the cervix

All cases of uterine perforation occurring during intracavitary application for carcinoma of the cervix over a 13-year period (1968-1981) were reviewed. There were 14 perforations out of 799 applications in 622 patients, for an incidence of 2.25% of patients and 1.75% of applications. In most cases, it is sufficient to halt the application and carefully monitor the patient, as supported by the uneventful post-perforation course in 12 cases. Nine patients (64%) underwent subsequent intracavitary application without further complications; of these, 8 are still living or died without evidence of tumor. In the other 5, it was impossible to locate the cervical canal on subsequent applications. Alternative treatments, results of therapy, and analysis of failures are presented. The authors conclude that there is no direct evidence that uterine perforation alters the prognosis following radiation therapy for carcinoma of the cervix.

Improved external radiation technique for the treatment of carcinoma involving lower rectovaginal areas

The authors describe a technique which allows minimal radiation of the perineum while permitting delivery of a nearly homogenous radiation dose to a carcinoma involving the lower vagina and rectosigmoid colon as well as the pelvic lymph nodes.

Metastatic carcinoma to the tongue: a report of two cases and a review of the literature

Metastatic tumors of the oral cavity are uncommon. Most of them are located in the mandible while only a small percentage are found within the soft tissues. Two cases of metastatic bronchogenic carcinomas to the tongue are described. Review of the literature showed that cancer of the lung was the most common primary lesion that metastasized to the soft tissues of the oral cavity. The base of the tongue was the most prevalent site of metastases to soft tissue within the oral cavity.

Metastatic carcinoma to the tongue: a report of two cases and a review of the literature

Metastatic tumors of the oral cavity are uncommon. Most of them are located in the mandible while only a small percentage are found within the soft tissues. Two cases of metastatic bronchogenic carcinomas to the tongue are described. Review of the literature showed that cancer of the lung was the most common primary lesion that metastasized to the soft tissues of the oral cavity. The base of the tongue was the most prevalent site of metastases to soft tissue within the oral cavity.

Radiation therapy for early stage carcinoma of the glottic larynx

The results of radiation therapy of 79 patients with early carcinoma of the vocal cord are reported. Nine (13%) of the 69 patients with stage I disease had local recurrence, and two (20%) of the ten patients with stage II disease had local recurrence without local node metastasis. Subsequent control of radiation failure by surgical salvage was 100%. Close follow-up of the patients after radiation therapy and biopsy of suggestive areas are emphasized for early detection of residual or recurrent tumor.

Use of ultrasonography in planning intracavitary radiotherapy of endometrial carcinoma

A diagnostic ultrasound examination is a simple and reliable method of obtaining anatomical information for intracavitary irradiation of endometrial carcinoma of the uterus. Scanning before treatment to determine uterine size and shape assists in choosing the most appropriate applicator. Scanning after insertion of an afterloading applicator facilitates calculation of radiation doses at critical points within and on the surface of the uterus. Poor applicator position can also be detected. Diagnostic ultrasound examinations should be adopted as a routine procedure in establishing intracavitary irradiation programs for adenocarcinoma of the uterine fundus.

Radiotherapy of orbital pseudotumor

Recent advances in ultrasound and computed tomography have permitted localization of orbital lesions, and sophisticated high-energy irradiation techniques facilitate improved dose distribution without significant damage to normal tissue. Three patients treated for orbital pseudotumor are discussed.