Tangential parallel opposed fields are primarily used for treating which type of cancer?

Tangential parallel opposed fields are primarily utilized in the treatment of breast cancer because this technique is designed to deliver radiation to the breast area while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues, such as the heart and lungs. By using tangential fields, clinicians can target the tumor more precisely, accounting for the shape and position of the breast and surrounding structures.

This approach is particularly beneficial for breast cancer treatment as it allows for adequate coverage of the entire breast while reducing the dose to organs at risk, which is crucial for maintaining patient quality of life during and after treatment. The tangential orientation also helps in addressing the potential involvement of lymph nodes while preserving healthy anatomical structures.

The other types of cancer listed do not typically require this specific technique. For lung cancer, broader field arrangements may be used due to the complexities of the thoracic anatomy. Prostate and head and neck cancers often utilize other radiation techniques such as 3D conformal radiation or intensity-modulated radiation therapy to accommodate the unique anatomical challenges of those areas.