Radiation Oncology
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Simulation
As its name implies, the simulation simulates 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.
The procedure takes place within the Radiation Oncology Department and typically uses a CAT scanner to create a three-dimensional model of your treatment area. The CAT scan helps to locate internal structures, such as organs, so your treatments can be targeted more effectively. IV contrast dye or barium may be used to improve the quality of the scan.
A PET/CT scan is used by doctors to better understand the extent and exact location of cancer, which helps them better diagnose and treat the disease. The PET/CT scan uses computers and X-rays as a non-invasive way to detect cellular changes and enable doctors to make a diagnosis.
During the simulation, you will be asked to relax and lie very still in the same position you will later use during your actual treatment sessions. Laser lights will be used to ensure proper positioning.
Identifying the Treatment Area
Once you are positioned correctly, the therapist will mark the treatment area on your skin with a permanent tattoo about the size of a small freckle. This mark will be used as a reference point for setting up future treatments. It is not, however, precisely indicative of where your treatments will be given. That information is yet to be determined.
Photos of the treatment area might also be taken for positioning purposes and identification. These photographs will become part of your medical record and are confidential. Altogether, the simulation should take about one hour to complete.