Radiation OncologyThe Steps to Radiation Treatment
The Steps to Radiation Treatment
Step 1: Consultation
No matter what type of radiation therapy you receive, your treatment begins with consultation. Most patients are referred to radiation oncology by other specialists who have done tests to determine if cancer is present and if so, at what stage. During your first visit, a radiation oncologist will review the results of previous tests to determine if radiation therapy is a treatment option. Family members or significant others are encouraged to accompany you on this visit.
The consultation includes a description of how your treatment works and discussion of any possible side effects. The oncologist may order other tests that could include x-ray examinations, blood work or scans.
Step 2: Radiation Oncology Nurse Visit
Before you even see an oncology physician, you will see a radiation oncology nurse. The nurse will take your pulse, blood pressure, weight, health history, and the history of your present illness. You’ll learn what you can expect from radiation treatment, including side effects. The nurse will also show you an informative video about radiation treatment.
Step 3: Simulation
Simulation is the collection of specific information to make your treatments as accurate as possible.
Step 4: Dosimetry
This process begins with a careful study of your simulation and ends with a plan outlining your course of treatment. Radiation oncologists and other members of the treatment team carefully study information on the location and size of the tumor, surrounding tissues, and organs. The physician reviews the information provided during simulation to determine the appropriate course of treatment. Then taking the patient’s general medical condition into consideration, the team, with computer-aided technology, develops a plan that provides the safest and most effective treatment for the individual.
Step 5: Radiation Treatment
You will be asked to lie on a table of a CT scanner. The radiation oncologist and radiation therapist will determine the best position for your treatment. Next, the therapist and oncologist may move the table to the approximate location for the CT scan. The oncologist will study the images and determine where and how to direct the radiation to achieve the best results.
Marking the areas
The therapist will need to mark certain areas of your body to accurately aim the radiation at exactly the same spot during each of your treatments. The therapist may place the marks directly on your skin or the marks will be made on a plastic mask that you’ll wear during treatment.
Special blocks
Shields often are used to protect surrounding organs or tissues from unnecessary radiation. If needed, the team will make a special block that fits you and your treatment situation. Most often the shielding used is within the treatment machine. It is called multi-leaf collimators or MLC. When blocks are used, a therapist places the block on the external beam therapy machine before treatment. Radiation travels in a direct line from the treatment machine to the patient and the blocks or MLC’s shield the normal tissue from radiation.
After Radiation
Cancer care doesn’t end when radiation treatments are completed. Your Radiation Oncologist will consult with you on your last day of treatment. Together, you will carefully review and discuss an aftercare instruction sheet explaining side effects and what to expect in the days ahead.
Follow-up Appointments
Before you leave, we will begin to schedule follow-up appointments with the Radiation Oncologist and referring physician. In addition, one of our nurses may call you in a few days after your treatment is completed to follow up on any side effects, questions, or concerns.
For more information, call St. Vincent Hospital Regional Cancer Center, at (920) 433-8488.
Step 1: Consultation
No matter what type of radiation therapy you receive, your treatment begins with consultation. Most patients are referred to radiation oncology by other specialists who have done tests to determine if cancer is present and if so, at what stage. During your first visit, a radiation oncologist will review the results of previous tests to determine if radiation therapy is a treatment option. Family members or significant others are encouraged to accompany you on this visit.
The consultation includes a description of how your treatment works and discussion of any possible side effects. The oncologist may order other tests that could include x-ray examinations, blood work or scans.
Step 2: Radiation Oncology Nurse Visit
Before you even see an oncology physician, you will see a radiation oncology nurse. The nurse will take your pulse, blood pressure, weight, health history, and the history of your present illness. You’ll learn what you can expect from radiation treatment, including side effects. The nurse will also show you an informative video about radiation treatment.
Step 3: Simulation
Simulation is the collection of specific information to make your treatments as accurate as possible.
Step 4: Dosimetry
This process begins with a careful study of your simulation and ends with a plan outlining your course of treatment. Radiation oncologists and other members of the treatment team carefully study information on the location and size of the tumor, surrounding tissues, and organs. The physician reviews the information provided during simulation to determine the appropriate course of treatment. Then taking the patient’s general medical condition into consideration, the team, with computer-aided technology, develops a plan that provides the safest and most effective treatment for the individual.
Step 5: Radiation Treatment
You will be asked to lie on a table of a CT scanner. The radiation oncologist and radiation therapist will determine the best position for your treatment. Next, the therapist and oncologist may move the table to the approximate location for the CT scan. The oncologist will study the images and determine where and how to direct the radiation to achieve the best results.
Marking the areas
The therapist will need to mark certain areas of your body to accurately aim the radiation at exactly the same spot during each of your treatments. The therapist may place the marks directly on your skin or the marks will be made on a plastic mask that you’ll wear during treatment.
Special blocks
Shields often are used to protect surrounding organs or tissues from unnecessary radiation. If needed, the team will make a special block that fits you and your treatment situation. Most often the shielding used is within the treatment machine. It is called multi-leaf collimators or MLC. When blocks are used, a therapist places the block on the external beam therapy machine before treatment. Radiation travels in a direct line from the treatment machine to the patient and the blocks or MLC’s shield the normal tissue from radiation.
After Radiation
Cancer care doesn’t end when radiation treatments are completed. Your Radiation Oncologist will consult with you on your last day of treatment. Together, you will carefully review and discuss an aftercare instruction sheet explaining side effects and what to expect in the days ahead.
Follow-up Appointments
Before you leave, we will begin to schedule follow-up appointments with the Radiation Oncologist and referring physician. In addition, one of our nurses may call you in a few days after your treatment is completed to follow up on any side effects, questions, or concerns.
For more information, call St. Vincent Hospital Regional Cancer Center, at (920) 433-8488.
