Treatment preparation and simulation

Pre-treatment preparation is consisted of two sections. Pre-simulation preparation and simulation. During pre-simulation preparation customized thermo-plastic head-neck masks that enable the patient to stand still when needed and beds that can take the shape of the patient’s body are prepared. In necessary situations, tomography cross-sections are taken with computed tomography device for the aim of planning treatment. Since auxiliary elements like masks or therapy beds are used by the patient for radiotherapy during this procedure, the test should be performed at the computed tomography of our hospital under the supervision of physicians or technicians. The most appropriate planning is made by using the computed tomography data of patient, which are transferred to the treatment planning computer of our division.

The appointment for simulation of patient is booked for the same day or a few days further, since these procedures will take some time.

Simulation is the determination of areas where radiation would be applied by fulfilling the conditions of the treatment devices. The patient that comes for simulation is met by technicians, and the simulation is applied after the necessary information is provided. It is necessary for the patient not to move during simulation. At the beginning, the parents can be enabled to accompany their children, by taking special precautions (putting on a lead vest). After the patient is laid down to bed, the treatment areas are determined with appropriate techniques. After the procedure, the treated areas of the body are marked with special marks, by using special markers or marking bands. Following this procedure, it is necessary to keep these marks until and during the treatment. The patient may comfortably take a bath, but these areas should be washed with warm water and should not be rubbed with washcloth or bath-glove for the marks not to be erased and the treated areas of skin not to get irritated.