The mould room department plays a very important role in your radiotherapy treatment, especially if you are receiving radiation to areas like your head, neck, or limbs.
Their job is to create custom devices, such as masks, that help you stay in the exact same position for every treatment session.
This makes sure the radiation is delivered accurately to the cancer, while protecting as much healthy tissue as possible.
Why is the mould room and team important?
In radiotherapy, precision is key. The goal is to target the cancer cells with radiation while avoiding healthy tissues and organs around the treatment area.
To do this, it’s crucial that you stay perfectly still in the same position during each treatment session. This is where the mould room comes in – they create personalised devices that help keep you stable and comfortable.
The mould room team plays a critical role in ensuring that your radiotherapy is as precise as possible. Their work helps improve the accuracy of your treatment, which means a higher chance of success and fewer side effects.
By creating custom devices that keep you still and comfortable, they make sure that every session targets the cancer while minimising the impact on the rest of your body.
In summary, the mould room department ensures that you are positioned correctly and comfortably during radiotherapy by creating personalised masks or body moulds. This helps improve the accuracy of your treatment and makes sure that the radiation is delivered safely and effectively.
How are these masks made?
Creating these devices is a simple and painless process that usually takes place before your treatment starts.
For a radiotherapy mask, the team uses a sheet of plastic netting that becomes soft when warmed up. You will lie down on a treatment bed while the soft plastic is placed over your face and gently shaped to fit your features. It feels warm but not uncomfortable. The material then cools and hardens into the shape of your face, forming a mask that can be used to keep your head perfectly still during treatment.
If you have thick or long facial hair, please try to trim or thin it beforehand to help us get the best fit.
Customization for comfort
The mould room team is dedicated to making sure your device fits you well and is comfortable. Each mask or mould is custom-made to match your body shape, so it won’t be too tight or uncomfortable. The team will work with you to ensure that you’re happy with the fit, and they can make adjustments if needed.
During your treatment
Once your mask or body mould is ready, you will use it during every radiotherapy session. The device helps you lie still and in the correct position so that the radiation can be delivered accurately each time. You may feel reassured knowing that the mask or mould helps protect healthy tissues by keeping the treatment focused on the cancer.
Dental advice and taking care of your teeth
If you will be having weeks of radiotherapy to an area that will include your mouth, you will usually have a special dental check-up beforehand. You might need dental treatment before you start your radiotherapy.
An appointment will be made with a dentist who will assess your teeth, treat you (if needed) and explain how to take care of your teeth after radiotherapy to help to avoid problems in the future.
Psychological support
Feeling worried about wearing a mask?
It is normal to feel anxious about wearing a radiotherapy mask, especially if you have never experienced one before.
Most patients find they become more comfortable after their first few appointments.
The mask is designed to fit closely to help keep you still, but you will still be able to breathe normally and communicate with the radiotherapy team throughout your appointment.
Please tell us if you are concerned about claustrophobia or anxiety. We can discuss ways to support you before treatment begins
Some coping strategies include:
- Counselling: Speaking with a counsellor or therapist can help you work through your feelings about wearing the mask, providing reassurance and emotional support.
- Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, and visualisation exercises can help reduce anxiety before and during treatment.
- Gradual desensitisation: For patients with claustrophobia, gradually getting used to the mask through practice sessions can ease discomfort.
- Support groups: Connecting with other patients who’ve had similar experiences can provide comfort and encouragement.
Your radiotherapy team understands these concerns and is there to support you throughout your treatment, offering practical solutions to help you feel more at ease.
Why is the mould room team important?
The mould room team plays a critical role in ensuring that your radiotherapy is as precise as possible. Their work helps improve the accuracy of your treatment, which means a higher chance of success and fewer side effects.
By creating custom devices that keep you still and comfortable, they make sure that every session targets the cancer while minimising the impact on the rest of your body.
In summary, the mould room department ensures that you are positioned correctly and comfortably during radiotherapy by creating personalised masks or body moulds.
This helps improve the accuracy of your treatment and makes sure that the radiation is delivered safely and effectively.
Frequently asked questions
Can I breathe while wearing the mask?
Yes. The mask contains small holes and will not affect your breathing.
Will the mask hurt?
No. The mask should feel snug but not painful.
How long will I wear the mask for?
Usually only during your planning scan and treatment sessions.
Can I close my eyes?
Yes. Many patients find it more relaxing to keep their eyes closed during treatment.
What if I feel anxious?
Please speak to your radiotherapy team. We can discuss support options and techniques that may help.