behandelgebied

Behandelgebied is a Dutch term used in medicine to designate the anatomical region or field that will receive a therapeutic intervention. It serves as a planning and communication reference across disciplines, and its exact meaning depends on the clinical context.

In radiotherapy, the behandelgebied is defined during treatment planning as the treatment field or planning target area, outlined on imaging studies and, if necessary, expanded by margins to account for movement and setup variations. The accurate delineation is essential to deliver the prescribed dose to the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissue and organs at risk.

In dentistry, dermatology, or surgery, it refers to the specific region subjected to an intervention—such as a portion of mucosa, skin, or bone, or a set of teeth—that is the focus of the procedure.

Defining the behandelgebied involves imaging, physical examination, and clinical judgment. The area may be revised during treatment in response to changes such as tumor shrinkage, edema resolution, or adverse effects. Documentation often includes diagrams, imaging slices, or digital planning files, enabling consistent communication among clinicians, radiographers, and other staff, and serving as a reference for follow-up.

The concept underscores safety and efficacy, balancing complete target coverage with minimization of exposure to non-target tissues. In some contexts, the term is synonymous with “behandelingsgebied” or “gebied voor behandeling.”