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Stereotactic radiosurgery is a specialized form of radiation therapy. It
is not surgery. It is a method of giving a high dose of radiation to a
small area in the brain. This may be done in one treatment or may be a
series of treatments.
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Gold Seed Placement
Using a numbing machine, a neurosurgeon will place three gold seeds in
your skull for marking. This may be done in the neurosurgeon's office or
at the Hospital. Your neurosurgeon will give you further instructions for
this procedure and your care afterwards.
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Treatment Planning
You will have a simulation at the Cancer Care Institute. This involves
taking x-rays to determine the position your head should be in
during treatment. Then you will have a CAT scan of your head. This
will help in planning your treatment. It will help determine the exact
location and size of the area to be treated.
Stereotactic radiosurgery requires complex treatment planning. This
planning may take several days. Your treatment will be given once the
planning is complete.
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Radiation Treatment
A radiation treatment is similar to having an x-ray. There is no discomfort
from the treatment. You will not be able to see or feel the treatment. There
is no sensation at all when a radiation treatment is given.
When you have your treatment, you will be positioned on the treatment table
with a head holder in place. This will keep you in the correct position for
treatment. Once you are positioned, it is very important to remain still.
As the radiation is given, the treatment machine rotates around your head. This
is called an arc. The approximate time for treatment is 30 to 60 minutes. But
this time can vary depending on the number of arcs you receive. During the
treatment you may hear a humming noise. This indicates that you are receiving
radiation.
Once you are ready for treatment, the staff will leave the room while the
treatment machine is on. You will be monitored on a television screen. There
is an intercom so you can communicate with the staff throughout the treatment. If
you need immediate help while the treatment is being given, it can be stopped
and the staff will enter to help you.
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Side Effects
Many people have few or no side effects from stereotactic radiosurgery. Possible
side effects include:
- Nausea, vomiting, dizziness or headaches
Steroids, anti-nausea medicines and pain relievers can be prescribed if
needed. These effects are usually temporary.
- Hair loss
This may happen in the treatment area two to three weeks after
treatment. This does not occur in everyone. Re-growth is expected in three
to four months.
- Scalp irritation
This is sometimes seen in the treated area. It is okay to use a moisturizing
hand lotion on this area if needed.
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After the Procedure
When the treatment is complete, you will be allowed to go home or return to
your hospital room.
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When to Call the Doctor
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Infection is rare but any of the following conditions should
be reported to the doctor:
- Fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit
- Redness around the gold seed insertion sites
- Discharge form the insertion sites
If you have any problems after you go home, a doctor is on-call
at the Cancer Care Institute 24 hours a day. Please call (605)
719-2360 or 1-800-232-0115.
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