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Certain levels of radiation work to destroy cancer cells or prevent normal or cancer cells from growing or reproducing. This treatment may provide a cure for cancer or non-cancerous diseases, control of disease, or relief of its symptoms.
Radiation therapy usually begins with these procedures:
- Initial Consultation
Once your physician considers the possibility of radiation therapy for your treatment, he/she will refer you to a radiation oncologist. The radiation oncologist is an oncologist who has special training and skills in using radiation to treat cancer and other diseases. You will have an initial office visit when the radiation oncologist reviews your history, completes a physical examination, views your x-ray studies and scans, and decides on the role of radiation therapy for treating your disease.
- Simulation Process
Following this initial visit, you will undergo a “simulation” process. The simulation allows the radiation oncologist to define the exact location and configuration of the cancer, tumor, or other growth within your body. In order to accomplish this, x-rays or scans will be taken in the radiation oncology department. Sometimes contrast is used to improve the quality of the information, for example you may be asked to swallow a contrast agent or you may be injected with one, similar to when you have a diagnostic CT scan performed. You will be placed in the treatment position, and often there will be customized “immobilization” devices such as mesh masks, headrests, or form-fit body molds to maintain your body position the same on a day to day basis. Sometimes, the area on your body that requires treatment will be marked with a tiny dot tattoo to make sure radiation is directed properly each day.
- Treatment Plan
Once the simulation process is completed, the radiation oncologist will determine your treatment plan, including the type of machine to use, the amount of radiation that is needed, and the number of treatments that will be given. Developing the treatment plan may be a complex process aided by the use of computers that recreate your “virtual anatomy” and location of your cancer or tumor. It may take several days to complete the treatment planning process.
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