What should you know about Shinva linear accelerator?

The machine does not make the diagnosis and it does not decide the dose by itself. A radiation oncology team uses scans, measurements and your treatment goals to plan the direction, shape and timing of each beam. The accelerator may move around you while you remain still on a treatment couch. You do not feel the radiation as it is delivered, although the appointment includes preparation and positioning.

A linear accelerator can be used for several radiotherapy approaches. Some plans use repeated treatment visits, while highly focused techniques may deliver radiation to a smaller target with careful image guidance. The choice depends on the tumour, its location, previous treatment and your general health.

Attend the planning visit and tell the team about implanted devices, pregnancy or possible pregnancy, medicines, previous radiotherapy and difficulty lying flat. Wear comfortable clothing and follow the department's instructions about skin products or eating before an appointment. Keep the treatment area clean and avoid changing your routine without checking first.

Ask how many visits are planned, how the machine will be checked against your scans, and which symptoms should be reported between visits. The team can explain whether standard radiotherapy or stereotactic body radiotherapy is being considered.

Contact your treatment team promptly for worsening pain, new weakness, trouble breathing, repeated vomiting, fever, confusion or a skin reaction that is rapidly worsening. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, a seizure, sudden loss of movement or a sudden change in alertness. These symptoms can have causes unrelated to the machine, but they need timely assessment.

Which area will be treated, what side effects are most relevant to that area, and how will my position be checked? Will I need imaging during each visit? What should I do if I miss an appointment or develop symptoms at home?