TrueBeam radiotherapy: what to know

Before treatment, scans help create a plan and define how your body will be positioned. During each visit, you lie still while the machine rotates or moves around you; the beam is not felt, and the machine does not touch you. The treatment team watches and communicates with you. Radiation can irritate nearby normal tissues, causing effects such as tiredness, skin changes, soreness, or site-specific symptoms. Effects depend on the body area and the planned dose.

Ask whether you need special skin care, medicines, or diet changes. Wear comfortable clothing and tell the team about implanted devices, pregnancy, new medicines, or difficulty lying in the planned position. Keep appointments and report symptoms early. Radiotherapy can be used for [Basal Cell Carcinoma](/conditions/basal-cell-carcinoma/), [Cervical Cancer](/conditions/cervical-cancer/), [Bowel Cancer](/conditions/colorectal-cancer/), [Womb Cancer](/conditions/endometrial-cancer/), or [Glioblastoma](/conditions/glioblastoma/) when clinically appropriate.

Contact your treatment team for worsening pain, severe skin reaction, persistent vomiting, inability to drink, fever, new neurological symptoms, or symptoms that suddenly change. Seek emergency help for severe breathing trouble, collapse, a seizure, or sudden weakness.

What is the goal of my radiotherapy? Which tissues are near the target? What side effects should I expect during and after treatment? How should I care for the treated skin?