Radiation therapy: how a course goes
radiation therapy · radiotherapy · radiation treatment · RT
A machine directs precisely planned beams at the tumor. A session is short and painless, and a course lasts several weeks.
For cancer, either alone or together with surgery and chemotherapy.
⏱ Duration: a session usually takes 10 to 30 minutes, with the beam on for only a few minutes; a course lasts from a few days to 6 to 8 weeks
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Marking. Before the course, a planning CT scan is done and marks are put on your skin. Do not wash them off.
- Skin. Care for the skin in the treated area as your doctor says. Do not put your own creams on it unless allowed.
- Clothing. Soft, loose cotton clothes.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Your ID
- A list of your medicines
How it goes
- You change and lie on the table
- You are placed in the same position using the marks, sometimes with a mask or a support
- The staff leave the room but can see and hear you
- The machine moves around you and sometimes hums
- The beam is on for a few minutes
- After the session you go straight home
What you'll feel
- You do not feel the session itself
- Tiredness builds up toward the middle of the course
- The skin in the treated area may turn red and peel
- Other effects depend on the treated area. The doctor will explain
Afterwards
- After external radiation you do not give off radiation. You can hug children
- Do not skip sessions without agreeing it with your doctor
- Drink water, eat well and rest
- Do not rub, warm or sunbathe the treated skin
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Fever of 38 or higher
- Open sores or blisters on the treated skin
- Severe pain, vomiting or diarrhea so you cannot eat or drink
Common questions
Will I be radioactive after a session?
No. With external radiation you do not give off radiation and are not a danger to your family.
Can I wash?
Usually yes, with warm water and a mild product. Do not rub the treated area. Check with your doctor.