Simulator Frequently Asked Questions
Q
Why not simply take x-ray pictures on the x-ray treatment machines?
A
It is possible to take x-ray pictures, of a sort, directly using the beam from a treatment machine. The trouble is that the pictures are of poor quality. They look mostly black with a few greyish blurred shadows. The reason is that the high energy x-rays used for treatment pass straight through bone as well as through the softer tissues (muscle, skin etc.). The lower energy x-rays used for diagnosis are partly stopped by bone. This produces, on film, a picture with lots of contrast. The bones show up well and this makes the anatomy easy to follow. The comparison between the two pictures (diagnostic x-rays versus treatment x-rays) is like watching TV with the brightness and contrast correctly adjusted or watching a TV with the brightness and contrast turned way down.
Q
What happens next?
A
Sometimes it is possible to go straight from the simulator to treatment. At other times there may be a little more work to do and it can be a day or two before treatment actually starts. You will normally be given your appointment times when you leave the simulator - so you'll know exactly what your schedule of treatments is going to be.