Radiation Therapy For The Chest and Abdomen

Radiation Therapy To The Chest And Abdomen

Radiation Oncology Clinic:

After giving the consent to start radiotherapy for one of the chest or abdomen organs such as lungs, esophagus, pancreas, stomach, or thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, the Radiation Oncologist and the team will provide you and your family with the appropriate health care and support throughout your radiotherapy treatment.

Radiation Therapy (Chest And Abdomen Area)
Simulation and Planning for Radiotherapy:
  • Duration of the appointment: 45 minutes to an hour.
  • What will happen? You will have a CT that simulates your treatment position; by lying on your back with the help of the wing-board to stabilize the chest, and a knee-rest to comfort your knees and legs.
  • N.B: you do not have to fast unless your doctor requests a CT with contrast.
What is the simulation and planning device?

It is a computerized tomography (CT) device containing special computer software that gives a detailed CT scan to the chest and abdomen, to assist the radiation oncology team to plan your treatment.

Step By Step Procedure For Chest And Abdomen Radiation Therapy
Radiotherapy sessions:
  • Duration of the session: 15 minutes. It may last for a longer time in some exceptional cases.
What happens during the radiotherapy session?
  1. Radiation therapists check the treatment plan before starting the sessions.
  2. Radiation therapists reproduce the CT simulation’s position, by using the tattoo marks, the wing-board, and the knee-rest.
  3. Before starting the session, an X-ray is taken to make sure that you are in the same correct position as the CT-simulation. Any adjustments are made as required.
  4. After confirming that you are in the right position, your treatment will begin.
  • The images during the radiotherapy are not diagnostic; they are only used to verify the patient’s position during the radiotherapy sessions.
  • During your treatment, you will meet your doctor once a week. You should inform your doctor regarding any side effects you may experience to get the needed help and advice.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES RELATED TO YOUR TREATMENT, WE RECOMMEND DIRECTING THEM TO:
  • The radiation therapist on every visit.
  • Your doctor or the nurse on your weekly follow-up clinic.
N.B: IN SOME SPECIAL CASES, THE RADIATION ONCOLOGY CONSULTANT MAY PRESCRIBE SOME MEDICATIONS TO BE TAKEN ALONG WITH YOUR RADIOTHERAPY SESSION. PLEASE FOLLOW THE SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY YOUR DOCTOR.