![]() ![]() If you are having a mould for radiotherapy treatment to your arm or leg, you go through the same process as for a face mask. Which they did, three lovely girls put my mind at ease sat me down heated the mask moulded it around my face, not an uncomfortable thing at all to go through. Patient: They told me about the procedure, a mask being fitted, that it would be moulded to the shape of my face. They put your name on the mask and keep it in the radiotherapy department ready for your treatment. The mask keeps you head still and makes sure that your treatment is directed at the cancer. Voiceover: They use the marks on the mask to line up the machine each time you have treatment. Radiographer: OK, you are just going to feel us pressing down on the mask there you are doing really well are you still ok? The radiographers will mark the mask where the light lines are. It takes a minute or two to dry into the shape of your face. They then clip it to the bed that you are lying on. When the radiographer puts the mask on to your face it will feel warm and damp. Voiceover: The radiographer softens the mask by putting it in warm water for a minute or two. Radiographer: I am just going to heat this up now if you just keep nice and still there and just want to close your eyes for us. Voiceover: Making a mesh mask for radiotherapy takes a few minutes. The video below shows what happens when you have your mesh mask made: You can still breathe easily, as the plastic has lots of holes in it.Īfter a few minutes the plastic mesh becomes hard. ![]() It feels a little like having a warm flannel put onto your face. Your technician puts the plastic mesh on to your face so that it moulds to fit your face exactly. Most often they use a special kind of plastic heated in warm water or an oven so that it becomes soft and pliable. The process of making a mask can vary slightly between hospitals. Making a radiotherapy maskĪ mould technician or radiographer makes the mask in the mould room of the radiotherapy department or during your CT planning scan. The radiotherapy staff will advise you about any hair issues at your planning session. Having a lot of facial hair can make it difficult to make a head and neck mask. It's helpful to wear clothing that you can easily take off. You also need to take off any jewellery from that area. The mask is normally made directly against your skin. ![]() It takes between 10 to 45 minutes to make a mask or mould. It is important that you are in exactly the same position each time. Your radiographers might make marks on them. They use the marks to accurately line up the radiotherapy machine for each treatment. You can see through most types of masks or moulds, as they usually have lots of small holes. Or a mould for your arm or leg, or more rarely for your breast. You might need a mask for radiotherapy of your head and neck. They can also be called shells. They keep the treatment area of your body still each time you have your radiotherapy. So your treatment is as accurate as possible. You might need to have a radiotherapy mask or mould made before you start treatment. Go to the cancer types section for information about treatment for your type of cancer. ![]()
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