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Radiation Treatment Planning

On your first visit to the radiation department a radiation oncologist will evaluate you. A radiation oncologist is a physician who specializes in radiation therapy and treatment. The radiation oncologist will determine the best way to treat your cancer based on the physical exam, x-rays, and type of cancer.

Before treatment can begin, a very precise type of planning called simulation will be done in order to pinpoint the exact area of the body to be treated. This planning is done with an x-ray machine called a simulator . The person who takes the films and runs the machine is called a radiation therapist. During simulation, you will lie on an x-ray table while a radiation therapist takes special x-ray films. These films are needed to mark the treatment port or the exact area on your body where the treatment will be given. Colored marks or tiny dot tattoos may be placed on your skin to mark the treatment port.

There is no pain involved with simulation but you will need to lie very still and not move so the planning will be accurate. Simulation may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the type and location of the tumor. During the simulation the therapists will make forms or supports for the part of the body that is to be treated. This will insure that the radiation will be given in the same position and to the same area for every treatment. During the simulation, the room may be dark with the lights turned down. Red beams of light are used to help mark the treatment areas accurately. While you are on the simulation table the therapists and the radiation oncologist can see and hear you, and you will be able to speak with them.

Treatment usually does not begin immediately because the radiation oncologist along with a physicist/ dosemitrist will need to plan the treatment. The x-rays, scans and other information obtained during simulation will be used to determine how the treatments will be given, the amount of radiation and the number of treatments that are needed. It usually takes one to three days to plan the treatment before radiation can begin.