Key Takeaways:
- A CT scan before radiation therapy is an essential step in prostate cancer treatment, as it provides detailed images of the patient’s anatomy and allows for accurate targeting of the radiation therapy.
- At Advanced Urology Institute, a CT scan is used to create a customized treatment plan for each patient, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue and maximizing the therapeutic effect.
- Advanced Urology Institute is committed to providing the highest quality care for their patients, ensuring the best possible outcomes in the battle against prostate cancer.
An Essential Step in Prostate Cancer Treatment
Fred, a radiation therapist at Advanced Prostate Cancer Institute, stresses the importance of a CT scan before radiation therapy. He says, “after the patient comes in and meets with the physician and decides they’re actually going to receive the radiation, we have to do a CT scan so that we can do the planning in the planning department.” This essential step ensures that the treatment is precisely tailored to the patient’s needs, giving them the best possible outcome in their battle against prostate cancer.
The Value of Proper Planning
The main reason for this process is, as Fred puts it, “so that we can treat the patient and treat them properly.” CT scans provide detailed images of the patient’s anatomy, allowing for accurate targeting of the radiation therapy. By performing a CT scan before treatment, the medical team can ascertain the exact location of the prostate cancer, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue and maximizing the therapeutic effect.
Addressing Patient Concerns and Involving Family
Another purpose for creating a detailed video of the CT scan process is to address patients’ concerns and involve their families in the treatment. Fred explains that “some people want to know exactly what happens before they come in. Some people have family that’s out of state or possibly even out of country, and they want to have some way of conveying what we really do.” By providing this level of transparency, patients and their loved ones can have peace of mind knowing that the medical team is doing everything possible to ensure the best outcome.
The Process of a CT Scan
The CT scan is a relatively quick and painless procedure. Fred highlights the importance of patient comfort, noting that the medical team takes every measure to ensure that the patient is relaxed and at ease. After lying down on a table, the patient is positioned to ensure accurate imaging of the prostate. A scanner rotates around the patient, capturing detailed images that are then used to develop the radiation therapy plan.
Customized Treatment Plans
The detailed images from the CT scan allow the planning department at Advanced Prostate Cancer Institute to create a customized treatment plan for each patient. Fred emphasizes that this is crucial, as “there are different scenarios with each patient that comes in.” By developing a tailored plan, the medical team can provide an effective and efficient prostate cancer treatment, significantly improving the patient’s chances of success.
Trust in Advanced Urology Institute
When undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer in Oxford, FL, choosing the right medical team can make all the difference. Advanced Urology Institute is the largest urology practice in Florida, and their dedicated professionals are committed to providing the highest quality care for their patients. By performing a CT scan before radiation therapy and developing customized treatment plans, Advanced Urology Institute takes a proactive approach to prostate cancer treatment, ensuring the best possible outcomes for their patients. Trust in their expertise and experience to guide you through the journey to recovery.
References:
- “CT Urogram: Purpose, Procedure, Risks & Results – Cleveland Clinic.” 21 Sep. 2022, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/24186-ct-urogram.
- “Computed Tomography (CT) Scan | Johns Hopkins Medicine.” https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/computed-tomography-ct-scan.
- “Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer – American Cancer Society.” 13 Feb. 2023, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/treating/radiation-therapy.html.
Transcription:
My name is Fred. I’m a radiation therapist here at Advanced Prostate Cancer Institute. Okay, right now what I’m getting ready to walk you through is the actual CT that’s done for planning purposes for radiation therapy. What happens is after the patient comes in and meets with the physician and decides they’re actually going to receive the radiation, we have to do a CT scan so that we can do the planning in the planning department so we have an actual set up for the patient on the table when it’s time to do the treatment. The main reason we do that is obviously so that we can treat the patient and treat them properly. But another reason that we want to make this video is because there are different scenarios with each patient that comes in. Some people want to know exactly what happens before they come in. Some people have family that’s out of state or possibly even out of country and they want to have some way of conveying what we really do so that we know we’re doing the exact best thing that we can for the patient.
