Computed tomography guidance for placement of radiation therapy fields
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Computed Tomography (CT) Guidance for Placement of Radiation Therapy Fields
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) guidance for placement of radiation therapy fields involves using CT imaging technology to accurately determine the areas where radiation therapy should be applied to treat cancer. This ensures that the radiation targets the cancerous tissues precisely while sparing the surrounding healthy tissues.
Purpose
Medical Condition: Used primarily in the treatment of various types of cancer.
Goals/Outcomes: The main goal is to deliver effective radiation therapy directly to cancer cells, which helps in shrinking tumors, killing cancerous cells, and preventing the spread of cancer. Proper placement of radiation fields can maximize the effectiveness of the treatment and minimize side effects.
Indications
Symptoms/Conditions: Cancer (e.g., lung, prostate, breast, brain) that requires targeted radiation therapy.
Patient Criteria: Patients diagnosed with cancer who need precise radiation treatment for tumors located in sensitive or hard-to-reach areas.
Preparation
Pre-procedure Instructions:
- Patients may be asked to fast for a few hours before the procedure.
- Medication adjustments might be necessary; patients should discuss their current medications with their healthcare provider.
- Patients may undergo blood tests, imaging scans, or other assessments to confirm their suitability for radiation therapy.
Procedure Description
- Initial Setup: The patient lies on a CT scanner table in a specific position designed by the radiation therapy team.
- Imaging: A CT scan is performed to produce detailed images of the internal structures.
- Planning: Using the CT images, the radiation oncologist maps out the radiation therapy fields, determining the precise areas to be targeted.
- Marking: The patient’s skin may be marked to guide the exact placement of radiation beams.
- Positioning: The patient is positioned in the same way for each therapy session to ensure consistency.
- Radiation Delivery: The patient receives radiation therapy based on the mapped fields, typically over multiple sessions.
Tools/Equipment: CT scanner, radiation therapy machine, markers, and positioning devices.
Anesthesia/Sedation: Usually not required, although some patients may need mild sedation for comfort.
Duration
The CT scan and planning process typically take 30 minutes to an hour. Actual radiation therapy sessions vary but often last about 15-30 minutes each.
Setting
Performed in a hospital's radiology department or an outpatient radiation therapy center.
Personnel
- Radiation Oncologist
- Radiologic Technologist
- Oncology Nurse
- Medical Physicist (for planning and dose calculation)
Risks and Complications
Common Risks: Skin irritation, fatigue, temporary discomfort.
Rare Risks: Damage to surrounding healthy tissues, infection, severe allergic reactions.
Benefits
Expected Benefits: Accurate delivery of radiation, maximized treatment effectiveness, minimized side effects.
Timeline: Benefits often become noticeable within a few weeks of starting treatment, though it can vary based on the cancer type and individual's response.
Recovery
Post-procedure Care: Regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress, manage side effects, and adjust treatment as necessary.
Recovery Time: Varies, with most patients able to return to regular activities shortly after each session. Long-term follow-up may be necessary.
Alternatives
Other Treatment Options: Surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy.
Pros and Cons: Alternatives may offer different effectiveness and side effects. Surgery can be more invasive; chemotherapy affects the entire body; immunotherapy harnesses the immune system but can have severe side effects.
Patient Experience
During Procedure: Patients may feel some discomfort from lying still but generally, it is painless.
After Procedure: Some fatigue and skin irritation may occur. Pain management and comfort measures, such as topical treatments for skin irritation and rest, are typically provided.