Megavolt

Megavolt in Medicine

A megavolt (V) is a unit of electric potential or electric voltage, commonly used in medicine and physics. It is equal to one million (M) volts. In the field of radiation therapy, megavolt machines, also known as linear accelerators, are used to treat cancer by delivering high-energy x-rays to the region of the patient's tumor.

Use in Radiation Therapy

In radiation therapy, megavolt machines are used to deliver high-energy x-rays to the region of the patient's tumor. These high-energy x-rays can destroy the cancer cells while sparing the surrounding normal tissue. The energy of the x-rays is measured in megavolts. The higher the energy, the deeper the x-rays can penetrate into the body. This makes megavolt machines particularly useful for treating deep-seated tumors.

Linear Accelerators

Linear accelerators are the most common type of megavolt machine. They work by accelerating electrons to near the speed of light and then slamming them into a target made of a heavy metal such as tungsten. This process produces high-energy x-rays. The x-rays are then shaped by a device called a collimator and directed at the patient's tumor.

Safety and Side Effects

While megavolt machines are a powerful tool in the treatment of cancer, they also come with potential side effects. These can include skin reactions, fatigue, and other symptoms depending on the area of the body being treated. However, the benefits of treatment usually outweigh these risks. Safety measures are also in place to protect both the patient and the healthcare professionals operating the machine.

See Also

• Radiation therapy
• Linear accelerator
• Electric potential
• Electric voltage