Dose distributions through the supraclavicular-axillary region of patients undergoing breast cancer treatment.

The supraclavicular-axillary region is often irradiated if multiple lymph nodes are found to be positive in the staging of breast cancer. The doses delivered to supraclavicular-axillary region are typically computed using IRREG program. As such, the dose distributions through these regions are rarely examined. The intent of this study is to examine dose distributions through the supraclavicular-axillary region. The results of this study indicate that the anterior region of the axilla receives about 20% more dose than the supraclavicular region or the mid-axillary point. This excess dose results from the posterior axillary field used to supplement the dose from the supraclavicular-axillary field.