[The individual irradiation mask--a means for improving focussing accuracy]

Individual masks have been applied for about one year at the Radiotherapeutic Hospital of Erlangen in order to treat tumors situated in the head and neck region, the superior aperture of the thorax and the brain as well as tumors situated in the posterior cranial fossa showing a tendency to form metastases within the spine (medulloblastoma and ependymoblastoma). The advantages of this method are the reproducible position of the patient, the facilitation of exact focussing and the absence of marks on the patient's skin. The disadvantages are the increase of radiodermatitis and increased expenditure of cost and work. However, the advantages are preponderant, so the irradiation mask is routinely applied in our hospital.