Radiation Oncology
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External Radiation Treatment Process
The following is an overview of the process used for establishing and administering external radiation therapies such as external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
Consultation
The process begins with a consultation. At this time, you will meet with a radiation oncologist, a physician specializing in the use of radiation to treat cancer. The radiation oncologist will review your medical records, answer your questions, explain your treatment options and recommend the course of treatment that will best meet your needs. If external radiation treatments are needed, the radiation oncologist will then schedule a time to perform a "simulation."
The Simulation
As its name implies, the simulation mirrors the conditions for your actual treatment. Its purpose is to help your treatment team determine precisely where to aim the radiation beams to achieve the best results without damaging surrounding tissue and organs.
Creating a Plan
Once the simulation is finished, the planning begins. A dosimetrist–a specialist in treatment planning–will work closely with your physician and a physicist in this process.
Treatment Delivery
Many patients feel apprehension when beginning radiation therapy, but the process is really quite painless.
Medical Management, Side Effects & Times
You will see your radiation oncologist each week while receiving radiation therapy treatment. Find out more.