Where are wedges commonly utilized in radiation therapy?

Wedges are commonly utilized in radiation therapy primarily to shape the dose distribution within a treatment field. Their use is particularly important in orthogonal head and neck fields due to the complex anatomy and varying contours found in these areas. In this context, wedges help achieve a more uniform dose by compensating for tissue irregularities and ensuring that the desired dose is delivered to the target while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

The head and neck region often encompasses areas with significant anatomical variation, making it crucial to tailor the radiation dose effectively. Wedges can enhance the dose at certain depths by allowing the radiation beam to enter at an angle, thus facilitating improved coverage of the tumor while carefully managing surrounding structures.

In contrast, other areas such as cranial treatments, extremities, and abdominal radiation therapy may utilize different techniques or devices that are more appropriate for their specific dose distribution challenges. This specificity underscores the reasoning behind the prevalent use of wedges in orthogonal head and neck fields.