What can be used to protect the spinal cord in upper digestive tract treatments?

Central lead shielding is an effective method for protecting the spinal cord during upper digestive tract treatments. In radiotherapy, the spinal cord is sensitive to radiation, and any unintended exposure can increase the risk of side effects. Lead shielding features prominently in treatment planning to selectively reduce the amount of radiation that reaches sensitive structures such as the spinal cord while allowing effective irradiation of the tumor or treatment area.

Lead shielding is designed to absorb and scatter radiation, thereby providing a barrier that minimizes dose to surrounding healthy tissues. By incorporating central lead shielding into treatment procedures, dosimetrists can strategically position the shielding to cover the spinal cord and protect it from excess radiation while maintaining the effectiveness of the treatment targeted at the upper digestive tract.

Other options like patient immobilization devices, thermoplastic masks, and laser alignment tools are utilized for different aspects of treatment setups, such as ensuring accurate positioning or maintaining patient stability. While these tools contribute to overall treatment precision and safety, they do not specifically provide the protective barrier against radiation exposure to the spinal cord as central lead shielding does. Therefore, when it comes to specifically safeguarding the spinal cord during upper digestive tract irradiation, central lead shielding is the most appropriate choice.