Planning CT scan
Before you start your treatment, you will have a planning CT
scan. This is so the treatment area can be outlined on your scan
with you lying in the treatment position.
For the CT scan you may be asked to remove certain items of
clothing and given a special gown to wear. Although part of your
body may be exposed, the pre-treatment radiographers will cover you
up as much as possible.
The treatment position may vary depending on which part of your
body is being treated. If you are suffering from any aches and
pains, please take some pain relief (as prescribed on the label)
prior to your scan as you may be lying on the couch for some time.
The consultant may request for you to have an injection of some
special dye (contrast) during the scan. This contrast enhances your
images but is not required for all treatment sites or necessary for
the planning of your treatment if you are unable to have it please
do not worry. If you do have an injection of contrast during your
scan it may make you feel hot and like you need to urinate but this
will be temporary.
At the end of your scan, with your permission, small permanent
marks (tattoos) will be put on your skin in the treatment area.
These are no bigger than a freckle and help the radiographers to
get you into the same treatment position daily, making your
treatment more accurate. Your consultant will mention these tattoos
to you at your clinic appointment.
| If you are suffering from
any aches or pains, please take some pain relief as prescribed on
the label prior to your scan, as you may be lying on the couch for
some time. |
Some people may also require extra appointments on the day of
their planning scan which takes place in the mould room or may have
some breathing coaching prior to their CT planning scan. This will
be indicated on your appointment list or you will be informed over
the phone if the radiotherapy bookings team call you with your
appointments. Normally people who are having their head, neck,
chest or limbs treated will have these extra appointments.
The radiographers you meet at these appointments will explain in
detail about what will happen so please feel free to ask any
questions you may have.
Once your CT planning scan is complete you are free to go and
will return at a later date for your radiotherapy.
Your appointment list will usually be sent to you by post in
advance of your CT scan but if you have not received anything
please contact the radiotherapy bookings office. Their details can
be found in the contact us section of the website.
