sädehoitoyksikkö

A sädehoitoyksikkö, or radiotherapy unit, is a specialized medical department or facility dedicated to providing radiation therapy as a treatment for cancer. This type of treatment uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiotherapy units are equipped with advanced technology, most notably linear accelerators, which are used to deliver external beam radiation therapy.

The staff within a sädehoitoyksikkö typically includes a multidisciplinary team of professionals. This team often consists of radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiation therapists (radiographers), nurses specializing in oncology, and dosimetrists. Radiation oncologists oversee the treatment planning and patient care, while medical physicists ensure the safe and accurate operation of the radiation equipment and assist with treatment planning. Radiation therapists are responsible for administering the daily treatments according to the prescribed plan.

The process at a sädehoitoyksikkö begins with a thorough consultation and diagnosis. Based on the type, stage, and location of the cancer, a personalized treatment plan is developed. This often involves imaging scans, such as CT or MRI, to precisely target the tumor and minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Patients then undergo a series of radiation sessions, usually over several weeks. The unit also provides support and monitoring for patients throughout their treatment course, managing any side effects and ensuring overall well-being.