INTRODUCTION:
Department of Radiation Oncology is functioning in our College from 2002. From 2006 sincere efforts were made to obtain the Linear Accelerator for treating the Cancer Patients. After a long struggle of 14 years, we were able to convince our Govt. the need for LINAC in the Southern Region. NATIONAL HEALTH MISSION Sanctioned LINEAR ACCELERATOR THROUGH TNMSC. TAMIL NADU MEDICAL SERVICES CORPORATION in 2020. After getting the approval of ATOMIC ENERGY REGULATORY BOARD, on 11.11.2020 by Honorable Chief Minister Thiru EDAPPADI K.PALANISWAMI inaugurated the UNAC. Till date we have treated 725 patients who are all from in and around Thoothukudi. Newer Technique like 3DCRT, IMRT and RAPID ARC are being used to treat patients. All types of Cancer patients are benefitted here by the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Insurance Scheme. Head and Neck tumours, Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer are commonly seen in Radiation Oncology OPD to Metastatic Cancers.
RADIATION TREATMENT PROCESS:
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REGISTRATION: Patients with Biopsy Proof are Registered under CMCHIS for treatment.
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CT SIMULATION: Making Immobilization and acquiring CT Images for Tumour Localization and Radiation Planning.
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RADIATION TREATMENT PLANNING: Radiation Oncologist will contour the exact location of the Tumour. After that the Physicist and Dosimetrist will process the Dose needed for each location. The Physicist will then set up the Beam Direction and calculate the amount for the exact Dose to each site.
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PATIENT POSITIONING IN LINEAR ACCELERATOR: Gantry and Couch positions are aligned in the same direction as set up in the Plan.
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RADIATION TREATMENT DELIVERY FROM LINAC CONSOLE: Radiation Oncologist’s planned Dose is delivered from Linac Console, after verifying the Patient Position through X-Ray images in a safest manner.