We take several precautions to ensure that only the targeted skin area gets the radiation, and the rest of your body is shielded. First, the IG-SRT machine uses applicators that are specific to the size of the area being treated – essentially, a cone or tube that focuses the X-rays just on the lesion and a small margin. This already limits exposure beyond the lesion. Second, we use lead shields to cover adjacent areas as needed. For example, if we are treating a lesion on your cheek near the eye, we’ll place a lead eye shield or cover your eyes with lead-lined material to protect them. If treating on the scalp, we might put a lead drape over your body or nearby parts of the head. For a lesion on the chest, a lead apron can shield the underlying body. These shields are similar to the ones used when you get dental X-rays (like the heavy apron they put on you). They are very effective at blocking any stray radiation. Additionally, the radiation therapist carefully positions you to expose only the necessary area, and they leave the room during the brief radiation burst to avoid any scatter to themselves – this is standard operating procedure for any X-ray use. The machine itself is calibrated and inspected regularly to ensure it’s delivering the beam accurately and not “leaking” radiation elsewhere. With all these measures, the dose to the rest of your body is essentially negligible. Even areas a few centimeters away from the treatment site get virtually no exposure. So, for example, your thyroid gland, your internal organs, and so forth are not receiving radiation of any consequence during your skin treatment. In summary, targeted cones plus lead shielding keep the radiation confined to just where it’s needed, protecting the rest of you. We take your safety very seriously.
Category:
IG-SRT
