Radiation Therapy: Fine Tuning the Treatment using Tattoo as Marker

In the quest to effectively treat prostate cancer, radiation therapy plays a crucial role. Precision and accuracy are paramount when targeting cancerous cells. One innovative method used to ensure the proper positioning of patients during radiation therapy involves tattoos as markers, which guarantee correct alignment for optimal treatment.

The Role of CT Scanning in Prostate Cancer Treatment

In the words of Fred, a radiation therapist at Advanced Prostate Cancer Institute, “When we’re doing our CT we’re trying to find out exactly where the prostate is sitting that day, or the phosphate bed… The day that we do the initial CT, we put marks on the patient so that we know exactly where we’re at for that time when we’re doing the scan.”

CT scanning is vital in locating the prostate, and using marks on the patient’s body ensures proper alignment during the procedure. These marks serve as reference points for radiation therapists.

Introducing Tattoos as Permanent Markers

After the initial CT scan is completed, patients receive three tattoos: one on the right hip, one on the left hip, and one in the front. As Fred explains, “Those three tattoos are used each day the patient comes back in for the initial setting on the table prior to doing our scan on the treatment machine so that we can actually fine-tune exactly where that area is internally that day.”

The use of tattoos as markers guarantees that the radiation therapy will target the precise location of the prostate, resulting in more effective treatment.

Patient Positioning in Radiation Therapy: The Importance of Consistency

Fred further emphasizes that “The prostate is not really glued into one spot in the body; it’s kind of like a kid’s kite on a string because it floats.” Factors such as the amount of fluid in the bladder and the amount of stool in the rectum can impact the position of the prostate. Variability in the prostate’s location can hinder the accuracy and effectiveness of radiation therapy.

By using tattoos as markers, radiation therapists can ensure consistency in patient positioning during the treatment process. This guarantees that the prostate remains in its original shape, allowing for optimal treatment.

The Commitment to Excellence at Advanced Urology Institute

At Advanced Urology Institute, the largest urology practice in Florida, their team of professionals is dedicated to providing the best possible care for patients undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer treatment. By employing innovative techniques, such as tattoos as markers for patient positioning, they prioritize accuracy, precision, and effectiveness in every treatment session.

If you or a loved one is seeking expert care for prostate cancer treatment, look no further than Advanced Urology Institute. Their commitment to excellence and cutting-edge practices ensure the best possible outcomes for all patients.

References:

• “Prostate Cancer Tests for Diagnosis & Screening.” 8 Sep. 2022, https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/prostate-cancer/diagnosis-and-detection.
• “Tests to Diagnose and Stage Prostate Cancer.” https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html.
• “Fiducial Marker Placement – RadiologyInfo.org.” https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/fiducial-marker.
  

Transcription:

When we’re doing our CT we’re trying to find out exactly where the prostate is sitting that day or
the phosphate bed. It could be a fossa treatment. The day that we do the initial CT we put marks on
the patient so that we know exactly where we’re at for that time when we’re doing the scan.
That is a good general location for a starting point every day for the alignment. So that day
that we do the scan and we put the marks on the patient after the CAT scan itself is completed
we give the patient three tattoos. There’s one on the right hip one on the left hip and one in
the front. Those three tattoos are used each day the patient comes back in for the initial setting
on the table prior to our doing our scan on the treatment machine so that we can actually fine
tune exactly where that area is internally that day. The prostate is not really glued into one
spot in the body it’s kind of like it’s kind of like a kid’s kite on a string because it floats.
The amount of fluid in the bladder will push the prostate down. The amount of stool in the rectum
can actually push the prostate up and having said that if both are full it can take a gland that’s
normally shaped about like a walnut and turn it into a banana. So the reason that our scan is so
important on a daily basis is we want to be able to make sure that a walnut is still a walnut
because when they plan to treat they’re planning on a specific size. So if you come in with a
different shape than what we have planned obviously part of it’s going to be left out.
So we do our scan daily on the machine to fine tune exactly where the prostate or the prostate
bed itself is sitting and also to verify that everything is clean and set up the way it’s
supposed to be on the inside. If things aren’t right we get the patient off of the table and
we have them either go drink some water or go to the bathroom whatever is necessary.
But it’s critical to be able to treat properly and to treat completely
to make sure that everything is right before you ever get started.