Objective: to measure the dose distribution (tissue absorbed dose) of palatal denture applicator containing (125)I.
Methods: simulated model of head and neck was used to wear the palatal dental applicator containing (125)I for the postoperative brachytherapy of a simulated tumor at a diameter of 2 cm in the palate. The denture contained 11 (125)I seed with radioactivity of 29.6 MBq per seed. The prescribed dose (edge matched dose) was 80 Gy. The absorbed dose in the simulated target and its adjacent area was measured by thermoluminescence dosimeters.
Results: the dose in the target area reached the value of treatment needs, and the dose absorbed by tissue around the target was lower except tongue.
Conclusions: using palatal denture applicator containing (125)I for postoperative brachytherapy of malignant tumors of palate can get satisfied dose distribution, but the tongue needs to be protected.