Here’s what a patient can expect during the process:
Meeting your Doctor
Before treatment starts, you’ll have a chat with your doctor. They will explain the treatment, possible side effects, and ask you to sign a consent form. This meeting can be in person or over the phone.
Mould room appointment (if required)
If your treatment needs a special mould to keep you still, you’ll visit the mould room first. Technicians will make a custom mould to keep the area being treated still during your radiotherapy treatment. This helps make sure the radiation hits the right spot.
Clinical mark-up appointment & Planning scan
Subject to the area you are having treatment our therapeutic radiographers may attend your clinic appointment with the Oncologist to mark around the area which we are treating. Dependant on your treatment area you may have a CT scan to help plan your radiotherapy.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy for skin cancer is usually given 5 days a week (Monday to Friday). The number of treatments will depend on the doctor’s recommendation. The therapeutic radiographers will accurately position you on the treatment couch. This will be the same position which you laid down in for your planning appointment.
The linear accelerator will be placed closely to your skin. You won’t feel the radiation, but you may feel some pressure and hear some noises as the machine operates. Each session typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes. However, the actual radiation only takes a few minutes. You’ll need to stay still during the treatment, but you won’t feel pain or discomfort during the process.
Total Skin Electron Therapy (TSET)
If you have been diagnosed with a skin lymphoma called mycosis fungoides, you may have been prescribed Total Skin Electron Therapy (TSET).
For more information about TSET please see below.
Total Skin Electron Therapy – TSET leafletSide Effects
Even though radiation targets the tumour, it can also affect healthy tissue nearby. Side effects usually start after a few treatments and can be different depending on the area being treated.
Common side effects of skin radiotherapy include:
- Tiredness (Fatigue): Tiredness is one of the most common side effects, and it tends to build up over time during treatment.
- Skin Changes: The skin in the treated area may become red, dry, or irritated, like sunburn. You might also experience itching or peeling. See the link below advising you on how to look after your skin during and after radiotherapy treatment.
- Swelling: The area treated might swell slightly after treatment, but this typically resolves on its own.
Please Note
Most side effects improve 10-14 days after treatment ends. Your healthcare team will be there to manage any side effects and provide support during and after your treatment.
Please inform your radiotherapist if you are experiencing any side effects.