What is Radiation Therapy?

High energy x-rays have a long history in the treatment of cancer, dating back to the turn of the century when x-rays were discovered. X-rays cause damage to malignant cells so that the cell cannot divide and grow. X-rays can also alter normal tissue around the cancer, sometimes causing side effects.

What is a Simulator?

Radiation treatment is planned on a simulator or a CT or both. The simulator is designed much like the linear accelerator. Instead of delivering treatments, the simulator takes x-ray films. With these films, the doctors and therapists locate the tumor, and co-ordinate this with diagnostic films to plan the "field" to be treated. After the treatment field is determined, the corresponding area of skin will be marked with special ink. The "simulation x-ray film" documents the simulation.