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When the doctor decides to apply radiation therapy in patients who have known biopsy results and stage of disease, the doctor will have a discussion with the patient and family members about the radiation process.
Step 1: Simulation of Radiation
It's a combination of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The goal is  to take images from computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to simulate the radiation. To prevent movement, the patient must wear a mask that covers his head and upper torso. In many cases, a contrast agent is injected in order to see the "cancer" lump more clearly. This process takes 30 minutes.

Step 2: The doctor assesses the size of the "cancer" lump as well as adjacent normal organs.
To send the data to a physicist to calculate the amount of radiation needed. Then, the radiologist assesses the treatment plan in order to decide the best course of action for each patient. It takes 5-7 days to complete this treatment.

Stage 3: The patient's radiation exposure
 The treatment takes 5-10 minutes per day, 5 days per week, for 5-7 weeks. The total radiation dose is around 30-35 times. The patient will be on the radiation bed, wearing a mask, lying still, without feeling pain during the treatment.

Step 4: Monitoring
During radiation therapy, patients is required to see the doctor on a weekly basis to assess your physical status and treatment response with a blood test.

After being exposed to radiation, patients may experience nausea, vomiting, or a loss of appetite so they should have enough rest, drink enough of water, and take medical food with high protein and energy." (Use only as directed by a physician.)

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TAGS : Cancer