During radiation treatment to the thorax, the arm position should be:

The arm position during radiation treatment to the thorax is crucial for maintaining the precision of the treatment and minimizing the exposure of surrounding healthy tissues to radiation. Consistency of arm position throughout the treatment course is essential to ensure that the radiation beams are delivered accurately to the targeted area.

When the arm position remains consistent, it minimizes variations in patient anatomy and minimizes movement that can lead to incorrect targeting of the radiation dose. Any changes in the position of the arm can affect the radiation fields, potentially underdosing the target or overdosing critical structures nearby, which may result in adverse effects or treatment failures.

While patient comfort is an important consideration during treatment, prioritizing the consistency of the arm position throughout the entire treatment course helps ensure proper alignment and accuracy in targeting the area needing treatment over time.