Intermediate
Technical
IVT
resection cavity
The surgical defect or space remaining after tumor removal, often relevant for radiation therapy planning.
Full Definition
The resection cavity is the anatomical space or defect that remains after surgical removal of a tumor. This cavity represents the volume previously occupied by the tumor and surrounding tissues that were excised. In radiation oncology, the resection cavity is crucial for treatment planning, as it often receives boost radiation doses to address potential microscopic residual disease. The cavity may be marked with surgical clips to aid in radiotherapy planning and may gradually fill with fluid or fibrous tissue during healing.
Usage
Usage note: Often used interchangeably with 'tumor bed' in radiation therapy contexts.
In Context
- "Surgical clips were placed to delineate the resection cavity for subsequent radiation therapy planning." — operative note
- "The resection cavity showed expected postoperative changes on follow-up imaging." — radiology report
Also known as
surgical bed
tumor cavity
excision cavity
Don't confuse with
tumor bed
surgical site