Radiotherapy

[Bazile]

A family member who is due to have Radiotherapy has asked me what to me seems like a silly question .

He asked me if the area of the body where the radiotherapy is directed is not clean - would it matter ?

I said I would ask

[jno]

possibly not quite what he's after, but...

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common/melanoma/radiation-care

[Peter Pedant]

no it doesnt matter
I had radiotherapy for ca colon, which is rather obviously dirty

The main determinants of side effects are: how great the dose, and the area in which it is delivered.

and good luck

[naomi24]

Your relative would be best advised to call the department and ask.

[douglas9401]

"Wash your skin gently with soap and water and gently pat dry. Avoid shaving and don't use heat and cooling pads/ice, or wax and creams for hair removal in the treatment area. Men can use an electric trimmer instead of shaving."

Cancer Research UK.

[Sqad]

Well, I am not sure that I understand the question.

Do you mean if the skin overlying the would be radiated area is dirty.....unwashed....grubby.....then yes it would matter?

The "dirty area" would need to be washed, cleaned, prepped before the radiotherapy commenced, although I cannot comprehend such a situation arising.

If I have missed the point of your question, forgive me and ignore my post.

[Bazile]

The patient does a job where the clothes he wears is not clean .

Because of time pressure he needs to finish work and go directly to have Radiotherapy , without having a shower .

So would the radiotherapy going in through his skin without him having a shower, be a problem ?

[Sqad]

No.....I doubt it.

[Buenchico]

While I hope that my body is reasonably clean at any time, I certainly wasn't given any instructions about washing my pelvic area before radiotherapy sessions. Further, the radiographers never examined the relevant area before treating me to check for cleanliness. (It was covered by a sort of paper towel throughout).

Given the natural variations that occur between sessions along the path of the beam (such as differences in bladder size and contents, as well as changes in body fat over time), it's hard to see how a bit of grime might make much difference really.

[Bazile]

Thanks

[Bazile]

Thanks all

[bobbinwales]

^Glad to see Peter Pedant back, was wandering whether you was ill

[theprof]

^Me too Bob. Where would we be without PP's sagacity here on AB? He's a breath of fresh air.

[Bazile]

Hi prof

[theprof]

Hi Bazile. My apologies for not replying last. I dozed off in the chair after posting following a difficult day in work.