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| What Is Radiation Therapy? |
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Radiation is the use of high energy X-rays to treat malignant tumors and some benign conditions. It had been in use for medical treatment for more than 100 years and ongoing innovations are increasing its effectiveness.
The external beam treatment is not painful, and there is no discomfort during the treatment. You will not become "radioactive" and hence will not pose any health hazard to your family members or friends. | |
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| What To Expect? |
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You will be seen by your doctor who will determine your treatment plan. An appointment will be made for treatment simulation planning. | |
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| What Is Simulation Planning? |
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This is a procedure to determine the area of treatment for the purpose of planning your radiation fields. The procedure may take 15 minutes. |
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You will be asked to lie on the X-ray table for the procedure. |
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A piece of tampon soaked with contrast medium will be inserted into your vagina for this examination, this is usually painless. |
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X-rays will be taken and various marking may be drawn on your skin. Permanent markings or tattoos will also be made. This is to allow alignment during set-up. |
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DO NOT wash away the markings. |
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DO NOT use soap on the area when you bathe until you have completed your course of radiotherapy. | | |
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| Treatment Process And Duration |
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Treatment for different patients varies from one day to a few weeks. You may be required to receive treatment on one or more treatment units.
In the treatment room, your radiographer will put makings on your skin in order to align your positioning on the treatment couch. The machine will be directed accurately towards the targetted area for treatment.
During the treatment process, your radiographer is constantly monitoring you through a close-circuit television camera equipped with an intercom facility.
Each treatment session may last between 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the complexity of the set-up as well as the dosage level to be given. | |
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| Temporary Side-Effects And Management |
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Organs Affected |
Management |
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Bowels |
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal cramps
- Bleeding |
· Low residue diet
+ / - medications
· Uncommon, to notify doctors |
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Bladder |
- Bleeding
- Frequency
- Pain during urination
- Bleeding |
· Uncommon, to notify doctors
· Increase fluid intake
+ / - medications |
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Skin |
- Dryness
- Itchiness / irritation
- Soreness |
· Creams prescribed by doctors |
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Vagina |
- Stenosis
- Atrophy |
· Uncommon, to notify doctors
· Vaginal douching / vagina cylinders
· Creams prescribed by doctors | | |
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| A List Of Do's |
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Do look after yourself really well |
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Do try to eat a lot of healthy / nutritious food and drink lots of fluids |
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Do have extra rest if you feel tired |
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Do wear loose clothings |
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Do inform your doctor of other medications that you are presently taking |
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Most importantly, do feel free to talk to us, if you are worried or depressed about yourself. | | |
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| A List Of Don'ts |
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Do not remove any of the markings drawn on you |
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Do not treat your skin harshly |
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Do not use soap, deodorants, perfumed talc, perfume, or anything not prescribed by your doctor |
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Do not wear tight restricting clothings | | |
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| Weekly Reviews |
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During the course of the treatment, you will be reviewed once a week by your doctor. Your radiographer will inform you of your routine review dates. | |
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| Follow Up |
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Once your treatment has been completed, you will be required to come back for regular follow up at the National Cancer Centre as well as the scheduled appointments at the Gynaecological Cancer Centre at KK Hospital. | |
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