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Simulation Visit
Following meetings with our oncology nurses, radiation oncologist, and radiation therapists, patients will undergo a radiation planning, or simulation. For this process, some patients may be given a contrast media (most commonly barium), orally or through a catheter. Other cases call for an aquaplast face mask to be made. Patients lie on a comfortable table in the position determined best for treatment, and a CT scan is conducted to create a 3-D image of the patient’s body. Tiny permanent dots will be tattooed on the patient to accurately guide radiation beams for treatment. Patients are given a schedule of their treatment plan – typically a 3-8 week plan, consisting of 15-44 sessions, five days each week.
After the simulation and CT scan, the radiation oncologist will work with our physics team to design the patient’s treatment beams. The beams are precisely customized to optimally cover all the areas to be treated, and at the same time, maximally protect the surrounding normal structures. Meticulous care is put into this time consuming process.
