How long does treatment take?
Meet the Experts
Lydia Komarnicky, M.D. is a Philadelphia-trained physician and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the Medical College of Pennsylvania.
Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.
Question from Xana: How long does each treatment take?
- Answers —Lydia Komarnicky, M.D.: Each treatment only lasts a couple of minutes. Most patients are in the treatment room about 10 minutes to make sure they're lined up correctly. I usually tell patients to plan on being in the Radiation Department about one-half hour a day.
- Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: This may vary from one department to another. And even within the same department, there can be variation from day to day. Sometimes there are emergencies that throw off the schedule. Your doctor and your nurse will usually get to see you about once a week.
- Lydia Komarnicky, M.D.: Periodically, the doctor may ask to take a special x-ray to check and make sure that the setup is still perfect.
On Wednesday, March 17, 2004, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Radiation Therapy Updates. Lydia T. Komarnicky, M.D. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about advances in radiation therapy: the newest and best techniques, combining radiation therapy with other treatments, ways to manage, reduce or eliminate side effects, and more.
The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.
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