Radiotherapist

= Radiotherapist =

==== A radiotherapist is responsible for the prescription of radiotherapy, the treatment, follow up and support care for the patient. They also take part in the diagnostic process where they study the state of the patients lesion and then suggest the appropriate dosage and type of radiation therapy (International Atomic Energy Agency, 2010). ==== ==== The radiotherapist takes images of the patients head and neck (for oral cancer) during a process called simulation with the use of radiography. This process detects the exact site of the tumour and its size. After allowing the Radiologist to (and maybe in conjunction with) prescribe the type of radiation exposure best suitable for the patient, they are in charge of monitoring the complete procedures of radiotherapy administered to the patient. The doses of radiation are often administered up to five times a week depending on patient and tumour between 10 and 30minutes each (Radiation Therapy Complications, 2010). During the treatment process the radiotherapist may also be involved in monitoring the patients progress (including side-effects). This is to incorporate the goal of erradicating the tumour whilst causing the least amount of damage to the surrounding healthy tissue (Dutreix, 1987). ====


 * ==== Administering therapy while ensuring protection to the patient from the radiotherapy. ====
 * ==== Diagnosing tumor location and size, treatment, follow up and support care during the therapy. ====
 * ==== Minimising exposure of radiation to healthy tissue. ====
 * ==== Establishing optimal intervention plans and therapeutic procedures for the erradication of the tumor with radiotherapy. ====
 * ==== Making sure that women who are pregnant are not exposed to radiation unless there are strong clinical indications. ====

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