If radiation therapy is part of your cancer treatment plan, an appointment will be made for your treatment planning session or simulation.
The simulation visit takes one to three hours. The radiation therapist will position you on the treatment table and take X-rays, CT scans and other images to confirm the area to be treated. Once the images are approved, the radiation therapist will mark reference points, either directly on your skin or on a plastic face mask.
Actual treatments will start within the next three to seven days. More X-rays will be taken to verify treatment fields. As the treatment progresses, the treatment area and marks may change.