The simulation is highly physics oriented and will require between 45 minutes and 2 hours. The patient will be required to hold still throughout the session and will have skin marks placed serving as a treatment target zone. Cat Scan images or diagnostic planning x-rays will be taken during this visit. The Department of Radiation Oncology at WKMC has served as a referral center for hundreds of physicians and twenty hospitals within the Ark la Tex and the surrounding regions. Several patients self-refer themselves for evaluation and treatment as well as second opinions.
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells within the body.
These abnormal cells have lost the normal control mechanisms present in healthy tissue. The cells aggressively attack their neighbors and may spread locally or distantly within the body. It is invisible and affects cancerous cells more strongly than healthy tissue. Radiation may be generated by linear accelerators or utilized in the form of radioactive pellets. Radiation is also present in the natural environment and people are exposed to low levels of radiation throughout their lives.