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This page is about 'Cancer treatment: what happens during radiotherapy? | NHS'
You may also find this page useful: What is Radiotherapy, and its use in treatment for cancers?
During a radiotherapy session, a patient undergoes a carefully orchestrated medical procedure aimed at targeting and treating cancerous tumors using high-energy radiation. The process typically involves several key steps:
- Treatment Planning: Before the session begins, a comprehensive treatment plan is developed by a team of healthcare professionals, including radiation oncologists and medical physicists. This plan outlines the specific dose of radiation, the angles from which the radiation beams will be delivered, and the duration of the treatment course. Advanced computer software is used to precisely calculate these parameters, ensuring that the radiation is focused on the tumor while sparing nearby healthy tissues.
- Patient Setup: Once the treatment plan is established, the patient is positioned on a treatment table, often using immobilization devices to maintain a consistent position throughout each session. Aligning the patient accurately with the planned treatment field is critical to the success of radiotherapy.
- Radiation Delivery: During the actual session, the patient is typically alone in the treatment room. Highly specialized machines, such as linear accelerators, deliver the prescribed radiation beams to the targeted area. The patient is carefully monitored remotely by radiation therapists and medical staff through closed-circuit cameras and intercoms.
- Treatment Duration: The duration of a radiotherapy session varies depending on the type of cancer, the treatment technique, and the prescribed dose. Some sessions may take only a few minutes, while others may require longer exposure times. Patients usually receive multiple sessions over several weeks, following the treatment plan.
- Minimal Discomfort: Radiotherapy itself is generally painless. Patients might hear the machine moving or buzzing during the session, but they should not feel the radiation. It's essential to remain still and follow the therapist's instructions for proper positioning.
- Side Effects: Radiotherapy can cause side effects, which vary depending on the treated area. Common side effects include fatigue, skin irritation, and localized discomfort. These side effects are closely monitored and managed by the medical team, and they usually improve after the completion of treatment.
- Post-Treatment Evaluation: After completing the prescribed sessions, patients may undergo follow-up evaluations, including imaging and clinical assessments, to assess the treatment's effectiveness and monitor for any potential long-term effects.
In summary, a radiotherapy session is a meticulously planned and precisely executed medical procedure aimed at treating cancer by delivering targeted radiation while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. The process requires a collaborative effort among healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.
Useful Links : Cancer treatment: what happens during radiotherapy? | NHS
Useful links from: What is Radiotherapy, and its use in treatment for cancers?
- Radiotherapy information from Cancer Research UK You might have radiotherapy as part of your cancer treatment. Radiotherapy means the use of radiation, usually x-rays, to treat cancer cells. You might have internal or external radiotherapy.
- Radiotherapy information from NHS Wales If you're diagnosed with cancer, you'll be cared for by a team of specialists. Your team will recommend radiotherapy if they think it's the best option for you, but the final decision is yours.
- Radiotheray inforamtion from NHS Inform Scotland Radiotherapy is a treatment involving the use of high-energy radiation. It’s commonly used to treat cancer.
- Radiotherapy information from NHS UK Radiotherapy may be used in the early stages of cancer or after it has started to spread.
Useful links from: Radiotherapy Services at University Hospital
Useful links from: A Radiotherapy appointment in east and North Hertfordshire
Useful links from: Having radiotherapy for breast cancer - 3 Videos
Useful links from: What is it like having Prostate Radiotherapy treatment?
- NHS UK Prostate Cancer
- NHS UK Radiotherapy Treatment for Prostate Cance This information sheet is to tell you about radiotherapy to the prostate at Addenbrooke’s Hospital and how to prepare for your treatment.
- Royal Free London Cancer Services A tertiary centre for hepatocellular, pancreato-biliary and skin cancer.
Useful links from: Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust: Radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Useful links from: Radiotherapy CT scanner
- Cancer Research UK
- Introduction to Radiotherapy CT (Computed Tomography) Planning
- The Radiotherapy Pathway: Pre-Treatment
- A Radiotherapy factsheet from University Hospital Southampton CT stands for computerised tomography and uses x-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of the body. The scan will be used to plan your radiotherapy treatment, which means working out how much radiation you need to treat the cancer and exactly where you need it.
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