Understanding the Tomotherapy Machine
Learn about the Tomotherapy machine, how it combines CT imaging with precise radiation therapy to treat cancer effectively while minimising damage to healthy tissue.
If you or a loved one is undergoing cancer treatment, you might have heard about the Tomotherapy machine. It’s an advanced radiation therapy device designed to target tumours with high precision while minimising damage to healthy tissues.
In this article, we’ll explain what Tomotherapy is, how it works, its benefits, and what to expect during treatment—all in simple, easy-to-understand terms.
What Is a Tomotherapy Machine?
Tomotherapy is a type of radiation therapy that delivers precise, targeted radiation to cancer cells. The word "Tomotherapy" comes from "tomography," which means imaging in slices (like a CT scan). This machine combines imaging and radiation delivery to treat tumours more accurately.
Unlike traditional radiation therapy, which uses fixed beams, Tomotherapy uses a rotating beam that moves in a spiral pattern around the patient. This allows doctors to adjust the radiation dose in real-time, ensuring maximum effectiveness with minimal side effects.
How Does Tomotherapy Work?
1. CT Scan Before Each Session: Before treatment, the machine takes a 3D image of the tumour and surrounding tissues. This helps doctors adjust the radiation precisely.
2. Rotating Radiation Beam: The machine rotates around the patient, delivering radiation from multiple angles. This helps avoid healthy tissues while focusing on the tumour.
3. Adaptive Treatment: If the tumour changes shape or size between sessions, the machine can adjust the radiation dose accordingly.
This approach is especially useful for complex or hard-to-reach tumours, such as those in the brain, lung, or prostate.
Benefits of Tomotherapy
1. Highly Precise: Reduces damage to healthy tissues, lowering side effects like fatigue, skin irritation, or nausea.
2. Effective for Recurrent Tumours: Can be used even if previous radiation treatments failed.
3. Suitable for Multiple Areas: Can treat multiple tumours in one session.
4. Less Invasive: No surgery is required, making recovery easier.
Consult Top Specialists
What to Expect During Treatment?
1. Planning Session (Simulation): Before treatment starts, you’ll have a CT or MRI scan to map the tumour.
2. Treatment Sessions: Each session lasts 15-30 minutes, and you’ll lie still on a table while the machine rotates around you.
3. No Pain: You won’t feel the radiation, but you may hear machine noises.
4. Side Effects: Some patients experience mild fatigue or skin redness, but these are usually temporary.
Who Can Benefit from Tomotherapy?
Tomotherapy is used for various cancers, including:
- Brain tumours
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Lung cancer
- Head and neck cancers
Your doctor will determine if Tomotherapy is right for you based on your condition.
Tips for Managing Side Effects
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body recover.
- Rest When Needed: Fatigue is common, so listen to your body.
- Skin Care: Use mild soap and avoid direct sunlight on treated areas.
- Balanced Diet: Eat nutritious meals to support healing.
When to Consult a Doctor?
If you experience severe side effects like persistent pain, unusual swelling, or extreme fatigue, contact your oncologist immediately.
Need Help? Book a Consultation on Apollo 24|7
If you or a loved one is considering radiation therapy, consult an expert oncologist to explore the best treatment options. You can easily schedule an appointment or book a diagnostic test through Apollo 24|7.
Conclusion
Tomotherapy is a safe, precise, and effective way to treat cancer with fewer side effects than traditional radiation. If your doctor recommends it, rest assured that this advanced technology is designed to give you the best possible outcome.
Stay informed, follow your treatment plan, and don’t hesitate to ask your medical team any questions—they’re there to help you every step of the way.
Consult Top Specialists
Consult Top Specialists
Dr. Mijanur Rahaman Mondal
General Practitioner
3 Years • MBBS
Kolkata
Dr Utsa Basu Clinic, Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
Dr. B Shilpa Naidu
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
9 Years • MBBS, MD GENERAL MEDICINE
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Arabinda Bera
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
20 Years • MBBS, PGDCC(CARDIOLOGY), CCEEDM(DIABETES)
Kolkata
MCR SUPER SPECIALITY POLY CLINIC & PATHOLOGY, Kolkata
Dr. Impana G N
Physician/ Internal Medicine/ Covid Consult
11 Years • MBBS,DNB FAMILY MEDICINE, MNAMS ,CCEBDM
Mysuru
Apollo BGS Hospital Adichuchanagiri Road, Mysuru
Dr. Vijay Bhola
General Practitioner
13 Years • MD (Physician), Fellowship in intensive care medicine
New Delhi
Maple Care, New Delhi
(150+ Patients)
Consult Top Specialists
Dr. Mijanur Rahaman Mondal
General Practitioner
3 Years • MBBS
Kolkata
Dr Utsa Basu Clinic, Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
Dr. B Shilpa Naidu
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
9 Years • MBBS, MD GENERAL MEDICINE
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Arabinda Bera
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
20 Years • MBBS, PGDCC(CARDIOLOGY), CCEEDM(DIABETES)
Kolkata
MCR SUPER SPECIALITY POLY CLINIC & PATHOLOGY, Kolkata
Dr. Impana G N
Physician/ Internal Medicine/ Covid Consult
11 Years • MBBS,DNB FAMILY MEDICINE, MNAMS ,CCEBDM
Mysuru
Apollo BGS Hospital Adichuchanagiri Road, Mysuru
Dr. Vijay Bhola
General Practitioner
13 Years • MD (Physician), Fellowship in intensive care medicine
New Delhi
Maple Care, New Delhi
(150+ Patients)
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