What should you know about radiodiagnosis and radiotherapy?

Radiodiagnosis uses imaging to investigate disease, while radiotherapy uses planned radiation to treat a specific target. Diagnostic scans can help locate a tumour, assess its size, or guide a procedure. Radiotherapy is planned around the tumour’s position and nearby organs, with the aim of controlling cancer or easing symptoms.

Diagnostic imaging may use X-rays, computed tomography, nuclear medicine, or other techniques. The choice depends on the body area and the question being answered. Some scans use a contrast agent or a small tracer; tell the imaging team about allergies, kidney problems, and possible pregnancy.

Radiotherapy can be delivered from outside the body or from a source placed inside or near the treatment area. It may be given before surgery, after surgery, with medicines, or as symptom-relieving care. The treatment team uses planning scans to shape the dose and protect healthy tissue as far as possible.

Bring a list of medicines and previous scans, and mention implants, pregnancy possibility, or difficulty lying in the required position. For radiotherapy, attend the planning visit and follow skin-care, eating, drinking, and appointment instructions. Do not apply products to the treatment area unless your team recommends them. Keep a record of new symptoms between visits.

Report a new rash, worsening pain, repeated vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or marked tiredness during radiotherapy. Seek urgent help for sudden weakness, severe breathlessness, confusion, or a seizure. After contrast imaging, urgent symptoms such as facial swelling or trouble breathing may signal a serious reaction.

Ask what the scan or treatment is intended to show or change, whether contrast is needed, and how to prepare. For radiotherapy, ask about the target area, visit pattern, expected reactions, skin care, and who to contact if symptoms interfere with eating, drinking, or daily activities.