Siemens linear accelerator: what to know

Before treatment, the team uses scans and planning software to shape radiation beams around the target. During a session, you lie on a firm table while the machine moves around you without touching your body. The treatment team watches and communicates with you from nearby. You do not become radioactive after external-beam treatment. The equipment is used for several radiotherapy techniques, chosen according to the tumour location and treatment goal.

Attend planning appointments so the team can make an immobilisation aid or mark a treatment position when needed. Wear comfortable clothing and follow instructions about skin products, eating, drinking, or a full bladder. Keep the treatment area clean and avoid unapproved creams. Tell the team about new pain, skin changes, pregnancy, or difficulty holding the required position before a session.

Call your radiotherapy team if treated skin becomes very sore, blistered, or broken, or if fatigue prevents basic activities. Report persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, trouble swallowing, worsening pain, fever, or new breathing difficulty promptly, depending on the body area treated. Seek emergency help for severe breathing problems, collapse, confusion, or sudden neurological symptoms. The team can assess whether the symptom is treatment-related and arrange relief.

Which area will be treated, and how will positioning be checked? What side effects fit this body region? Will treatment be combined with medicine or another technique? How should I care for the skin and manage fatigue between visits?