Dose-Volume Histogram (DVH)

A Dose-Volume Histogram (DVH) is a graph used in radiation therapy to evaluate how a treatment dose is distributed within the target area and surrounding tissues. It shows the relationship between the percentage of tissue volume receiving a specific radiation dose. For example, it helps doctors see if enough radiation covers a tumor while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue. DVHs assist in planning effective treatments that maximize tumor control and reduce side effects, providing a clear visual summary of dose distribution for optimization.