[Denture-like applicators with radioactive seeds for treatment of palatal malignant tumors].

OBJECTIVE: To design and make denture-like applicators containing radioactive seeds for treatment of malignant tumors in the hard palate where only thin layers of soft tissues are available. METHODS: Forty-two patients were treated with denture-like applicators containing (125)I radioactive seeds after local resection of malignant salivary gland tumors the hard palate. Sixteen patients were male, and 26 patients were female. The average age was 37.6 years old (18-74 years old). The denture-like applicators were consisted of three parts: resin layer (about 1.0 mm in thickness) which contacted with surgical area and contained radioactive seeds; the cobalt-chromium alloy layer (about 1.0 mm in thickness) which protected surrounding normal tissues; the clasps which acted as retainers for applicators. The resin layer and the alloy layer were connected together mechanically. Artificial teeth were applied on the applicators to restore the masticatory function when partially edentulous upper jaws were available. All these patients were followed up for 12-72 months. The complications in target areas and adjacent normal tissues were observed. The stability of radioactive seeds, the recurrence of the tumor was also observed during the follow-up. RESULTS: No patients complained about hurt or burning of adjacent normal tissues. 8/42 patients felt some uncomfortable, such as gagging, more saliva on the first one or two days. No radioactive seeds were lost and dislocated during the treatment. The surgical wounds healed perfectly. No mucosal ulcer, no recurrence of tumor, and no other complications for the target areas were observed. The living standard of the patients was improved. CONCLUSION: The denture-like applicator containing (125)I radioactive seeds is a feasible, effective, and convenient way to treat malignant tumors around the hard palate, where there is no enough room to implant radioactive seeds. This method can effectively irradiate the target areas when treating the malignant tumors in the palate.