What Is Important When Using Linear Accelerator Equipment?
• The ownership of the technology. Groups of physicians or investors may own a treatment machine that is located within a hospital or institution. To ensure radiosurgery or radiotherapy is the correct procedure for the patient, the patient should ask whether the technology is owned by the hospital or by the physician recommending treatment. If the machine is privately owned the patient may wish to seek a second opinion. • Strength of the technology: MeV. The greater the strength of the machine, the further into tissue it can penetrate. The strength of the machine may be a function of the method it uses to deliver the radiation and not necessarily equal to the MeV rating. • Imaging technology utilized. MRI technology is considered the gold standard when imaging to target a brain tumor. MRIs provide an unparalleled view inside the body. MRI scans are able to see normal tissue versus brain tumor tissue. CT scanning uses X-ray technology to scan a tumor. Tumor borders cannot be seen on a C
