Your Visit

Your Radiation Therapy Visit

Get access to lifesaving cancer treatments you need close to home with advanced technologies at Willis Knighton Cancer Center.

Initial Consultation

During your first visit, your radiation oncologist reviews your:

• Medical history
• Diagnostic imaging
  • X-ray
  • MRI
  • CT
  • PET
• Lab results
• Other relevant information

  Your doctor allows plenty of time for questions and answers and our experienced nurses help guide you through the process.

Imaging for Treatment Planning

Radiation therapy uses imaging to help plan your treatment. The goal is to target the tumor while minimizing the impact on healthy tissue.

CT Simulation

If radiation therapy is recommended, a CT scan is used to plan your treatment. During the scan, it’s important to remain as still as possible so we can accurately recreate your position for each treatment. Our team will guide you through the process, using lasers to align your body.

MRI Simulation

An MRI may be recommended for tumors where soft tissue details are crucial, like in the brain, head and neck, or prostate. MRI provides more detailed images of soft tissue and is used to help plan treatments for these specific areas. The process is similar to CT simulation.

Your First Treatment

On the day of your first treatment, you’ll be positioned the same as your CT or MRI simulation. Our therapists take a series of pictures to ensure your current position matches your previous images. Once confirmed, your doctor double checks the alignment before proceeding.

After your first treatment, you’ll receive a card with your next appointment times and a barcode for easy check-in at future visits. Most treatments are quick, typically lasting 10 to 20 minutes.

Follow Up Care

Most patients have a follow-up appointment three months after their last treatment, and then once per year for five years.

The National Cancer Institute provides extensive resources on follow-up care after cancer treatment, helping you stay informed and supported.