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. You won’t have any trouble seeing or breathing while it’s over your face. As the mesh cools, it will harden.
How do you make a radiation mask?
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.
What kind of Mask do I need for radiation therapy?
These help you stay in the same position throughout each treatment. For radiation therapy to the head or neck, you may receive a thermoplastic mask. This is a mesh mask that is molded to your face and secured to the table. It gently holds your head in place.
What is a thermoplastic face mask?
For radiation therapy to the head or neck, you may receive a thermoplastic mask. This is a mesh mask that is molded to your face and secured to the table. It gently holds your head in place. It is important for your body to be in the same position for each treatment. Your radiation oncology team cares about your comfort.
What is a radiotherapy mask or mould?
You might need to have a radiotherapy mask or mould made before you start treatment. They can also be called shells. They keep the treatment area of your body still each time you have your radiotherapy.
How do they make a radiation mask?
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 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 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 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.
Do N95 masks work against radiation?
N95 Masks are designed to protect from things like smoke, ash, allergens, bacteria, and mold. The good news is they are capable to reducing inhalation of radioactive particles in the air. The protection, however, is limited because this is only one of the ways dogs absorb radioactive materials into their body.
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.
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.
Why do they strap you down for radiation?
Depending on your treatment area, you may be asked to grab special straps that push your shoulders down during the imaging scans. This is to make sure your shoulders are out of the area of the scan. During the scan(s), you will hear the machine turn on and off.
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 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.
Does radiation cause hair loss?
Radiation therapy can also cause hair loss on the part of the body that is being treated. Hair loss is called alopecia. Talk with your health care team to learn if the cancer treatment you will be receiving causes hair loss.
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 is a radiographer's job?
The technician or radiographer tries to make you as comfortable as possible. They heat the plastic mesh and put it onto your face, so it gently moulds to fit your head and neck exactly.
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.
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 long does radiation therapy last?
It is the most common radiation therapy treatment for cancer. Each session is quick, lasting about 15 minutes. Radiation does not hurt, sting, or burn when it enters the body.
What is simulation in radiation therapy?
Simulating and planning treatment. Your first radiation therapy session is a simulation. This means it is a practice run without giving radiation therapy. Your team will use imaging scans to identify the tumor location.
Why is it important to be in the same position for radiation?
It is important for your body to be in the same position for each treatment. Your radiation oncology team cares about your comfort. Talk with the team to find a comfortable position that you can be in every time you come in for radiation therapy.
What is informed consent for radiation?
Giving permission for radiation therapy. If you choose to receive radiation therapy, your health care team will ask you to sign an "informed consent" form. Signing the document means: Your team gave you information about your treatment options. You choose to have radiation therapy.
How long does it take for radiation to go away?
The 2-day break in treatment each week allows your body some time to repair this damage. Some of the effects may not go away until the treatment period is completed. Let the health care professionals if you are experiencing side effects. Read more about the side effects of radiation therapy.
What to expect when getting radiation therapy?
What to Expect When Having Radiation Therapy. It is normal to feel worried or overwhelmed when you learn that you will need radiation therapy. However, learning more about this type of cancer treatment may help you feel more prepared and comfortable.
What type of doctor is responsible for radiation therapy?
Radiation oncologist. This type of doctor specializes in giving radiation therapy to treat cancer. A radiation oncologist oversees radiation therapy treatments. They work closely with other team members to develop the treatment plan. Radiation oncology nurse.
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.