Today, more and more women with breast cancer are diagnosed early. This products a result that is equivalent to mastectomy but avoids the psychological, cosmetic and physical effects associated with mastectomy. Multiple randomized studies have confirmed the efficacy of this approach. In the 1970s, cobalt was the most popular form of radiation. This technology helps to achieve an appropriate distribution of radiation to the target while minimizing adverse effects.
Cobalt is a radiation source that constantly emits radiation.
Shielding within a cobalt machine allows sale use of' this type of radiation for medical purposes. Early linear accelerators were built to mimic the cobalt machine's energy range. This compares to a 4 MV linear accelerator producing a beam that has a D-max of 1 cm. The linear accelerator produces more skin sparing and thus so-called radiation dermatitis is less commonly associated with this type of machine. Treatment planning is crucial in producing the best results of therapy.