A member of your treatment team will create your radiation mask. While you lie on a simulation table, a therapist will carefully place a warm, wet plastic mesh film over your face and neck and shape it around your head.
Full Answer
How are radiotherapy masks made?
Making a radiotherapy mask. A mould technician or radiographer makes the mask in the mould room of the radiotherapy department or during your CT planning scan. The process of making a mask can vary slightly between hospitals. Most often they use a special kind of plastic heated in warm water so that it becomes soft and pliable.
What is the purpose of wearing a face mask during radiotherapy?
The mask keeps you head still and makes sure that your treatment is directed at the cancer. They put your name on the mask and keep it in the radiotherapy department ready for your treatment. Patient : They told me about the procedure, a mask being fitted, that it would be moulded to the shape of my face.
How does the radiographer put the mask on?
Voiceover : The radiographer softens the mask by putting it in warm water for a minute or two. When the radiographer puts the mask on to your face it will feel warm and damp. They then clip it to the bed that you are lying on. It takes a minute or two to dry into the shape of your face.
How long does it take for a radiation mask to cool?
In approximately 15 minutes, your soft and pliable radiation mask will gradually cool and harden. If you experience any discomfort, pressure, claustrophobia or anxiety at any time, you should let your therapist know right away. He or she can help you find a comfortable and reproducible position for your treatments.
How do they make a mask for radiation?
Masks are usually made using a type of mesh plastic. This is moulded to fit the shape of your head and neck. Less often, wet plaster bandages are used to make a mould, which is then used to make a clear plastic (Perspex®) mask.
What kind of mask is used for radiation?
If you are receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, brain cancer, or brain metastases, then you will most likely have to get a thermoplastic mask made for treatment. The mask is worn every day for treatment. Thermoplastic masks are made of a plastic material and look like mesh.
How do they make a mold for radiation?
0:042:03Making a CT Scan Body Mold - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou'll see the body mold it looks similar to a beanbag right now it's pliable and will become shapedMoreYou'll see the body mold it looks similar to a beanbag right now it's pliable and will become shaped exactly to your body. You will lay down on the bag. And then raise your arms above your head once.
How long does it take to make a mask for radiotherapy?
They use the marks to accurately line up the radiotherapy machine for each treatment. It is important that you are in exactly the same position each time. It takes between 10 to 45 minutes to make a mask or mould.
What material are radiation masks made of?
Thermoplastic masks are made of a plastic material and look like mesh. The purpose of the mask is to keep you in position to ensure accurate delivery of the radiation beam. The mask will be worn each day for treatment.
What is thermoplastic mask?
A thermoplastic mask is custom fit by stretching a heated mask over the patient at the time of treatment simulation. This mask is then used at treatment to increase the reproducibility of the patient position.
What can you not do during radiation treatment?
Avoid raw vegetables and fruits, and other hard, dry foods such as chips or pretzels. It's also best to avoid salty, spicy or acidic foods if you are experiencing these symptoms. Your care team can recommend nutrient-based oral care solutions if you are experiencing mucositis or mouth sores caused by cancer treatment.
What is Orfit mask?
Orfit head and neck immobilization solutions ensure high precision, reproducibility and patient comfort, resulting in more precise radiation therapy and radiosurgery. Incredibly easy to use, each solution consists of a fixation plate, head support, and thermoplastic mask.
Why do they tattoo you for radiation?
Do you have to get tattoos for radiation? The skin must be marked before radiation is given, as it ensures that the radiation beams to treat the cancer are applied in the correct spot. Ink tattoos are most frequently used, as they don't come off once they are placed.
What is the most common acute side effect of radiation treatment?
Fatigue is the most common acute side effect of radiation therapy. It is believed to be caused by the large amount of energy that is used by the body to heal itself in response to radiation therapy. Most people begin to feel fatigued about 2 weeks after radiation treatments begin.
Is radiation treatment painful?
Does radiation therapy hurt? No, radiation therapy does not hurt while it is being given. But the side effects that people may get from radiation therapy can cause pain and discomfort. This booklet has a lot of information about ways that you and your doctor and nurse can help manage side effects.
Is radiotherapy worse than chemotherapy?
Radiation therapy involves giving high doses of radiation beams directly into a tumor. The radiation beams change the DNA makeup of the tumor, causing it to shrink or die. This type of cancer treatment has fewer side effects than chemotherapy since it only targets one area of the body.
What type of mask do you wear for radiation?
If your radiation therapy will be delivered to your head or neck, you may be fitted with a thermoplastic mask to wear during your simulation and treatment sessions. Constructed of mesh and designed to be secured to a treatment table, this mask will be custom-made to precisely fit your face.
How to see and breathe while wearing a radiation mask?
While you lie on a simulation table, a therapist will carefully place a warm, wet plastic mesh film over your face and neck and shape it around your head. The mesh will have openings for your eyes and nose, and you will be able to see and breathe normally while being fitted for and wearing your radiation mask.
How long does it take for a radiation mask to harden?
In approximately 15 minutes, your soft and pliable radiation mask will gradually cool and harden. If you experience any discomfort, pressure, claustrophobia or anxiety at any time, you should let your therapist know right away. He or she can help you find a comfortable and reproducible position for your treatments.
Why do you use a bite block during radiation?
You will then use your bite block during each treatment to help limit any movements caused by swallowing. Prior to radiation therapy, some patients find it helpful to learn and practice some relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, that they can then use during their treatment sessions.
What is the mask used for radiotherapy?
For most types of radiotherapy to your brain, head or neck area, you wear a mask during each treatment. This is sometimes also called a mould, head shell or cast. The mask is made to hold your head and neck still and in exactly the right position. This helps make your treatment as accurate and effective as possible.
How long does it take to make a radiotherapy mask?
The process of making the mask can be different depending on the hospital, but it usually takes about 30 minutes.
How is a Perspex mask made?
A Perspex ® mask is made in two stages. First, the technician or radiographer makes a plaster mould of your head and neck. Then they use the mould to make the clear plastic (Perspex ®) mask for your treatment. To make the plaster mould, they spread a cool cream or gel on your face to protect your skin.
What is a mask made of?
If you usually wear a wig or head scarf, you need to take these off too. Masks are usually made using a type of mesh plastic. This is moulded to fit the shape of your head and neck. Less often, wet plaster bandages are used to make a mould, which is then used to make a clear plastic (Perspex ®) mask.
What to do if you are uncomfortable wearing a mask?
If it is uncomfortable, tell the staff so that they can try to adjust it. You may feel very nervous about wearing the mask, or feel claustrophobic. You may want to bring some calming music or a relaxation podcast to listen to during your appointments. Most people cope well with the support of the radiotherapy team.
Can you come back after a radiotherapy mask?
Once the mask is ready, your treatment can be planned. This may be straight after the mask is made, or you may need to come back for another appointment. Treatment planning makes sure the radiotherapy is aimed precisely at the cancer. You may need to take off some clothes and wear a hospital gown.
Do you need to wear a mouth bite mask?
This can also help reduce side effects. Your radiotherapy team will tell you if you need a mouth bite. If you do, you also need to wear it while your mask is made. Hair.
What is the mask-making procedure?
Once your mask is made, avoid any major hairstyle changes, including facial hair. You will be asked to put on a gown for this procedure and for your daily radiation treatments. Often times you will get a CT scan in the position you are in after the mask is made, with the mask still on. The mask-making procedure takes about 15-30 minutes.
Why is the mask important?
The mask is important for your treatment because it holds your head and neck still and in the exact position needed for treatment. This helps ensure that your treatment is as accurate and as effective as possible. In most cases, after your treatment is complete you are allowed to take your mask home with you.
Where do they make masks for radiotherapy?
Making a radiotherapy mask. A mould technician or radiographer makes the mask in the mould room of the radiotherapy department or during your CT planning scan. The process of making a mask can vary slightly between hospitals.
How does a radiographer soften a mask?
Voiceover : The radiographer softens the mask by putting it in warm water for a minute or two. When the radiographer puts the mask on to your face it will feel warm and damp. They then clip it to the bed that you are lying on. It takes a minute or two to dry into the shape of your face.
Why do you put plastic mesh on your face?
Your technician puts the plastic mesh on to your face so that it moulds to fit your face exactly. It feels a little like having a warm flannel put onto your face. You can still breathe easily, as the plastic has lots of holes in it. After a few minutes the plastic mesh becomes hard. Your technician takes the mask off.
What is a voiceover mask?
Voiceover : They use the marks on the mask to line up the machine each time you have treatment. The mask keeps you head still and makes sure that your treatment is directed at the cancer. They put your name on the mask and keep it in the radiotherapy department ready for your treatment.
What is a shell for radiotherapy?
They can also be called shells. They keep the treatment area of your body still each time you have your radiotherapy. So your treatment is as accurate as possible. You might need a mask for radiotherapy of your head and neck. Or a mould for your arm or leg, or more rarely for your breast.
How long does it take to make a mask?
It is important that you are in exactly the same position each time. It takes between 10 to 45 minutes to make a mask or mould.
Can you wear a mask on your skin?
The mask is normally made directly against your skin. It's helpful to wear clothing that you can easily take off. You also need to take off any jewellery from that area.
How to make a radiation mask?
To make the mask, your radiation therapists will place a warm, wet sheet of plastic mesh over your face and upper body while you’re lying on the simulation table. The mesh has openings for your eyes, nose, and mouth.
How does radiation therapy work?
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to treat cancer. It works by damaging the cancer cells and making it hard for them to reproduce. Your body is then naturally able to get rid of the damaged cancer cells. Radiation therapy also affects normal cells.
What is the role of radiation oncologist in simulation?
During the time between your simulation and your set-up procedure, your radiation oncologist will work with a team to plan your treatment. They will use the images taken during your simulation to plan the angles and shapes of your radiation beams. They will also determine the dose of radiation that you will receive.
How to keep from swallowing during radiation?
Depending on your treatment area, you may also use a bite block during your simulation and treatments. The bite block will help you keep from swallowing. To make the bite block, your radiation therapists will place a soft piece of plastic on your tongue and ask you to bite down while it hardens.
What is external beam radiation?
You will have a type of radiation therapy called external beam radiation. During your treatments, a machine will aim beams of radiation directly at the tumor. The beams will pass through your body and destroy cancer cells in their path. You won’t see or feel the radiation. Radiation therapy takes time to work.
Where to check in for radiation treatment?
For each of your treatments, check in at the reception desk and have a seat in the waiting room. When your radiation therapists are ready for you, you will be shown to the dressing room and asked to change into a hospital gown. Keep your shoes on during your treatment.
Who is the doctor who manages radiation therapy?
Your medical oncologist is the doctor who will manage your care with your radiation oncologist during and after your treatment. Your radiation oncology nurse will work with the other members of your radiation therapy team to care for you and your family during your treatments.
How long does it take to remove a radioactive plaque?
An operation is needed to put the plaque (a small round piece of metal that holds the radioactive seeds) in place. This surgery usually takes 1 or 2 hours and can be done with local anesthetic (numbing medicine) and sedation.
How does radiation help with eye cancer?
Radiation Therapy for Eye Cancer. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. It is a common treatment for eye melanoma. Radiation therapy can often save some vision in the eye. Sometimes vision might be lost if the radiation damages other parts of the eye. An advantage over surgery is that the eye structure is preserved, ...
How long does it take to get melanoma out of your eye?
It usually takes less than an hour, and you will probably be able to go home the same day. The full effect of the radiation on the tumor is not seen for 3 to 6 months. This treatment cures about 9 out of 10 small to medium size tumors and can preserve vision in some patients, depending on what part of the eye the melanoma is in.
How does a gamma knife work?
Different machines can be used to deliver radiation in one of two ways: A Gamma Knife stays in one place and focuses radiation beams from hundreds of different angles at the tumor all at once for a short period of time in one treatment session.
What is the term for the precise radiation treatment of a tumor?
The term "surgery" is used to describe the accurate nature of the radiation beams. This type of treatment delivers a large, precise radiation dose to the tumor area in a single session. It is not used as often as brachytherapy or proton beam therapy as the initial treatment for eye melanomas. Different machines can be used to deliver radiation in ...
What is proton beam radiation?
Proton beam radiation therapy: Instead of using x-rays as in standard radiation therapy , this approach aims proton beams toward the cancer. Unlike x-rays, which release energy both before and after they hit their target, protons cause little damage to tissues they pass through and release their energy only after traveling a certain distance.
What is external beam radiation therapy?
External beam radiation therapy. In this approach, radiation from a source outside the body is focused on the cancer. For eye melanomas, the use of this type of radiation therapy is generally limited to newer methods that focus narrow beams of radiation on the tumor. Proton beam radiation therapy: Instead of using x-rays as in standard radiation ...
Why do people wear thermoplastic masks?
The mask is worn every day for treatment. Thermoplastic masks are made of a plastic material and look like mesh. Fear of confined or small places (claustrophobia) can occur during the mask-making process. Fear of the mask is common. Claustrophobia and anxiety are common. Being proactive about your anxieties will eliminate the potential ...
Can a therapist remove a mask?
In some cases, the therapists can remove the part of the mask that covers your eyes or nose to make the mask more comfortable. This may not always be possible depending on the area of the head or neck that is being treated but is worth discussing with your provider.
Do you need a thermoplastic mask for radiation?
If you are receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, brain cancer, or brain metastases, then you will most likely have to get a thermo plastic mask made for treatment. The mask is worn every day for treatment.
What does it feel like to be in an MRI machine with a mask?
For some people dealing with the mask and being in an MRI machine can bring about claustrophobic feelings. These feelings are extremely common. The following are some tips on dealing with the mask. 1) The feelings of constraint are in your head- nothing bad is going to happen. You lay still every night for hours.
Can you wear a mask for radiation?
Managing the Radiation Therapy Mask. If you are having radiation on your neck or head region, chances are you will be fitted for a mask for your radiation treatments . For some people dealing with the mask and being in an MRI machine can bring about claustrophobic feelings. These feelings are extremely common.
What Personal Items Need to Be Removed Prior to Making The Mask?
What Is The Mask-Making Procedure?
- Once your mask is made, avoid any major hairstyle changes, including facial hair. You will be asked to put on a gown for this procedure and for your daily radiation treatments. Often times you will get a CT scan in the position you are in after the mask is made, with the mask still on. The mask-making procedure takes about 15-30 minutes. The mask s...
What Other Immobilization Devices Are Used with The Mask?
- Some patients may be asked to use a bite block or mouthpiece with their mask. There are several types of bite blocks, but they all serve the same purpose. It is placed inside your mouth to hold your mouth and jaw in the same position. It can also be used to help reduce side effects, by depressing your tongue. Bite blocks are soft pieces of dental wax or plastic that are placed i…
Why Is The Mask Important?
- The mask is important for your treatment because it holds your head and neck still and in the exact position needed for treatment. This helps ensure that your treatment is as accurate and as effective as possible. In most cases, after your treatment is complete you are allowed to take your mask home with you.