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| Treatment Questions
What do you mean by 'simulation'?
Simulation is the process where the doctor and the radiation therapist figure out the logistics of your treatment.
First, you are brought back to the simulation room and then you are positioned on the simulation table. To ensure that your position on the treatment table is reproducible, a VacLok or Aquaplast mask is sometimes made. Next, fluoroscopy is used to figure the target area. Then, an X-ray film is taken of that area. Finally, small permanent tattoos are made on your body depicting the borders of the radiation field. These tattoos help to line you up once you start your daily treatments.
Once this is done, you may require a CAT-scan. A CAT-scan allows for 3-D conformal treatment planning. It is not for diagnostic purposes. The CAT-scan data is subsequently put into a computer. The radiation oncologist then contours in the target area (i.e., the cancer) as well as avoidance structures (i.e., the heart). This allows the radiation beam to home in on the cancer and avoid other structures.
Treatment usually begins one to three weeks after your simulation. During this time, the radiation oncologist is planning your treatment.
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