Mesothelioma

Radiation Therapy: Set Up

Several days after the simulation and after all calculations have been performed and custom blocks made, your treatment can begin.

Our treatment machines (linear accelerators) resemble the simulator but are larger. You will be placed on the treatment table in the same position as you were on the simulator. Proper positioning usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Once in place on the treatment table, a set of X-ray films will be taken. These films will be matched with the simulation films to ensure that the treatment is going to be delivered the same way as it was simulated. Occasionally, the match is not optimal. In these cases, adjustments will be made and will be checked by your attending physician. In rare cases, more adjustments are required and treatment may need to be postponed. Once the films and positioning are confirmed, a treatment will be delivered.

The actual administration of the radiation treatment usually takes only about 5 to 10 minutes. Factors that affect the total length of the treatment include the complexity of your treatment, the particular machine on which you are being treated and how quickly you can be positioned properly for treatment. On average, most patients spend a total of 20 to 30 minutes in the Department per day receiving their treatment.

Once the initial set-up is completed, daily treatments normally follow. Treatments are usually given once a day, Monday through Friday, for a number of weeks. Each treatment generally takes only 5 to 10 minutes; however, you will likely be in our department for approximately 20 to 30 minutes per day. Sometimes, twice daily radiation treatments will be recommended.

If fluid has collected in the chest or abdomen, your doctor may drain the fluid out of your body by putting in a needle into the chest or abdomen and use gentle suction to remove the fluid. If fluid is removed from the chest, this is called thoracentesis. If fluid is removed from the abdomen, this is called paracentesis. Your doctor may also put drugs through a tube into the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating.