Nuclear Oncology

For conventional radiation therapy, the initial visit with the oncologist is called consultation. During this visit, ask the story of his illness and perform a physical exam. At this point you may need consultation with other members of your treatment team.

After you and your (s) doctor (s) have decided on a course of treatment begins the first phase, the treatment planning. In this phase, a radiation oncologist, a doctor who specializes in radiation-make a simulation of your radiotherapy treatment using radiographs (X rays) or computed tomography (CT). In some cases, you may need an MRI. These radiographic studies are used to plan the type and direction of radiation beams used to treat cancer.

During the simulation, you must be lying / a motionless on the treatment table, although at the time is not given radiotherapy. Usually at this stage will be an immobilization mask to keep your head in the same position. Treatment usually begins one or two days after the planning session.

During the actual treatment with radiation therapy will be asked to lie on the treatment table without moving. The radiation therapist will administer the treatment prescribed by radiation oncologist. The treatment takes only minutes, and you feel nothing. If you undergo stereotactic radiosurgery, you may put a rigid head. This procedure uses computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to help the doctor identify the exact location of the tumor, and a computer to help regulate the radiation dose as needed. You may be taking multiple images on the treatment machine to ensure alignment.

The treatment planning sessions and the first sessions of radiation may take one or two hours, then the treatments last a few minutes and you will be in the radiotherapy department after 30 to 45 minutes each session. In general, treatments are given once or twice a day, five days a week for five to seven weeks.