sädehoitoyksikön

A sädehoitoyksikkö, often translated as a radiotherapy unit or radiation oncology department, is a specialized medical facility responsible for administering radiation therapy to patients. This form of cancer treatment utilizes high-energy radiation to damage or destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.

These units are typically equipped with advanced technology, including linear accelerators, which are used to deliver external beam radiation therapy. Patients may undergo daily treatments for several weeks, with the duration and dosage determined by their specific cancer type, stage, and overall health.

Sädehoitoyksiköt are staffed by a multidisciplinary team of professionals. This team usually includes radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiation therapists, dosimetrists, and nurses. Radiation oncologists are physicians who specialize in treating cancer with radiation. Medical physicists ensure the safe and accurate operation of the radiation equipment and treatment planning. Radiation therapists operate the treatment machines and position patients for each session. Dosimetrists create detailed treatment plans to deliver the prescribed radiation dose precisely to the tumor while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues. Nurses provide patient care, education, and support throughout the treatment process.

The process within a sädehoitoyksikkö typically begins with a consultation and imaging. Advanced imaging techniques such as CT scans, MRI, or PET scans are used to precisely locate the tumor and plan the radiation fields. Based on this planning, a detailed treatment plan is created by the medical physicist and dosimetrist, reviewed by the radiation oncologist, and then implemented by the radiation therapists. Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient's progress and manage any side effects.