PRP's CT Radiotherapy Planning Service Information

When using Radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer, it is important to gather as much information about the cancer as possible. This is where the Radiotherapy Planning CT comes in. It will show the cancer and the structures around it, allowing your Doctors to plan treatment that exposes as little of normal tissue and as much of the cancer as possible.

Please advise us beforehand

If you have had an adverse reaction to a previous contrast injection or other drugs or if you have any renal impairment. We will ask you to complete a questionnaire before the examination and sign a consent to the contrast injection if it is required for your examination.

Please advise us if you are, or think you may be, pregnant.

What happens during the procedure

You will lie down on the scanner couch with the treatment area exposed. The radiographer will put some markers on your skin (these show up on the scan as white dots) and are used to take measurements to plan your radiotherapy treatment. You will then have your images taken. Once these are finished, they will give you small permanent dots on your skin which are used to position you correctly each day when you have your radiotherapy.

You may also have to;

  • Have an injection of dye to show your kidneys
  • Have wires places on lumps or scars
  • Drink liquid with dye to how your bladder
  • Drink barium liquid to show your oesophagus and/or stomach
  • Dependent on where your cancer is, you may need a mould or mask created

How long does it take?

The actual CT scan takes around 30 minutes, though the session itself may take longer.

You may need more than one planning session.

After your examination

If you have had contrast, you’ll need a high fluid intact for 24 hours to help flush your system.

Your images and report

After your examination, the most pertinent images from your study will be available on the myPRP patient portal. A report, along with the images will be sent directly to your referring doctor. PRP will store digital copies of all studies on our secure database for comparison with any future examinations.

Please bring any previous X-rays with you.

It is important that you return to your doctor with your examination results. Whether they are normal or abnormal, your doctor needs to know promptly so that a management plan can be formulated.

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