A Guide for Delineation of Lymph Nodal Clinical Target Volume in Radiation Therapy

About this book

• Presents detailed delineation of lymph node targets in multiple anatomical locations
• Serves as a valuable aid in accurate image based radiation therapy treatment planning
• Presents enhanced treatment outcome, based on delivery of adequate doses of irradiation to lymph nodes at risk
• Details decreased morbiditiy and better quality of life, by selectively irradiating outlined lymph nodes at risk

This book will facilitate the understanding of cross-sectional anatomy details and assist radiation oncologists in the difficult task of a detailed delineation of lymph node targets in multiple anatomical locations.

It opens with a brief overview of the anatomy of the lymphatic system, followed by the main anatomical classifications involving the lymph drain in four main regions (head and neck, mediastinum, superior abdomen, pelvis) and describes the spreading patterns of the different cancers. Based on the close collaboration between radiologists and radiation oncologists, explicit instructions for the delineation of lymph nodal clinical target volumes are proposed to obtain a more accurate and consistent definition of these volumes of interest. In addition, axial topographic reference points for anatomical boundaries of regional lymph nodes are presented in illustrative tables. This book will be a valuable aid in accurate image-based radiation therapy planning for young as well as for more experienced radiation oncologists.

Content Level » Professional/practitioner
Keywords » Lymph Drainage Pathways - Lymph Node Structure - Lymph Node Targets - Radiation Oncology
Related subjects » Oncology & Hematology - Radiology

Table of Contents

General Considerations: Anatomical Review.- Lymph Nodes Classifications.- Anatomical and Radiological Boundaries.- Critical Importance of Target Definition, Including Regional Lymphatics, in Image Guided Radiation Therapy.- Radiation Therapy Treatment Planning-CT: Technical Notes for Imaging Acquisition.

Axial CT Radiological Anatomy: Lymph Nodes in Head and Neck.- Lymph Nodes in the Mediastinum.- Lymph Nodes in Superior Abdomen.- Lymph Nodes in Pelvis.- Lymph Nodes-Areas CT-Reconstructed.

From the reviews:

"This is a concise guide to radiological definitions of lymph node groups for radiation treatment planning. … The primary audience is radiation oncologists at all stages of their careers. Residents and students should find this a very helpful anatomical guide. The authors are well known in radiation oncology and/or radiology. … This is a useful guide for the lymph node anatomy of the major disease site regions." (James G. Douglas, Doody’s Review Service, July, 2009)