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Advanced teletherapy procedures performed by doctors on the medical staff and other staff members at the Radiation Oncology Center use radiation generated by a linear accelerator located outside the patient's body to attack cancer cells. The first visit to the Radiation Oncology Center for most patients receiving teletherapy includes a consultation with a radiation oncologist and an initial simulation of the treatment.
Patients receiving teletherapy (other than Gamma Knife) are commonly treated Monday through Friday, at the same time every day, for four to six weeks. Each session lasts approximately 15 to 20 minutes, and patients are cared for by the same staff members every day.
Initial Simulation for Treatment
Most teletherapy procedures require treatment planning that includes an initial simulation of the treatment, performed by physicians on the medical staff using a CT simulator or x-ray machine or both. The CT simulator provides precise, three-dimensional photos of the patient's anatomy, allowing the staff to do a "virtual simulation" for treatment planning.
The staff will draw lines on your body at the time of the simulation to show the central axis of each beam entry. These marks, which will eventually wash off, must not be removed until the completion of your treatment. You'll need to avoid getting soapy water on the lines when you bathe.
The initial planning for Gamma Knife patients is performed by physicians on the medical staff using MRI, CT scan or angiography, or any combination of the three.
Physicians study the results of the simulation or planning and consider the size and shape of the area to be treated, as well as the proximity to other critical parts of the body to determine the appropriate dose of radiation for the patient. Physicians, as well as other staff members, will then create a treatment plan based on the simulation results and consultation.
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