Radiation treatment at Saint Joseph's
Radiation treatment at Saint Joseph’s includes
the following:
- Consultation – A
radiation oncologist will consult with you to
obtain a full patient history review, diagnosis,
work up and additional diagnostic tests, if
necessary. Patients learn about the diagnosis,
prognosis and planned course of radiation
treatment.
- Simulation - A CT
scan is performed to map the treatment area.
The painless scan provides detailed images of
the treatment area. Marks are placed on the
skin as reference points for treatment; patients
are instructed to leave marks in place until
the next visit and are given bathing instructions.
The CT scan may take up to 30 minutes.
- Treatment Planning –The
multi-disciplinary team
of radiation oncologist, medical physicist,
dosimetrist and radiation therapists develop
the treatment plan. Depending on the complexity,
the plan may take from one day to two weeks.
Patients are given instructions on when to return.
- Treatment – During
the treatment course, patients are treated daily,
Monday through Friday. Treatments usually
last from 10 to 20 minutes but may vary.
Patients are evaluated on a regular basis and
the progress reviewed.
- Follow-up – At treatment
completion, patients are instructed on follow-up
visits with the radiation oncologist or other
physicians.
For more information about Saint Joseph’s
Florence Hays Erb Oncology Services, call 404-851-7115.
