Use of 10 MV spoiled x ray beam for treatment of head and neck tumors.

The employment of a 10 MV X ray beam for treatment of head and neck tumors has been investigated. A 1.2 cm thick beam spoiler positioned 7 cm from the patient surface was used to achieve adequate dose to the superficial region. This technique provides at least 90% depth dose at 0.5 cm depth, which is clinically required for the treatment. For departments able to acquire only one megavoltage machine, the technique can provide an option to treat adequately both shallow as well as deep-seated tumors by choosing a high megavoltage machine; a low megavoltage machine cannot provide an equivalent option to treat deep-seated tumors.