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 Center for Cancer Care and Research, call 404-851-7117.