Minnie,
the difference between XRT and IMRT is similar to the difference between a shotgun and a sniper bullet, with XRT being the shotgun approach.

The techs will use beam blocking and shadow trays to protect sensitive areas such as the spinal chord. From your description it sounds like you had XRT.

We can talk about the merits and demerits of both but it must be emphasized that you must be a suitable candiate for IMRT according to your medical team.


Gary Allsebrook
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Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2
Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy)
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"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)