A radiology technician is a person that uses radiation in order to treat cancer. In order to accomplish this, the radiology technician uses special machines called linear accelerators. Under the guidance of the radiology technician, these machines emit high-energy x-rays directed toward the cancerous cells. When the x-rays meet with the cancerous tissue, it causes the tumors to shrink and ultimately disappear.
Before beginning treatment, the radiology technician must first perform a simulation, which is a procedure during which the radiology technician pinpoints the tumor’s location and determines how to best approach the radiation procedure in order to minimize damage.
Following the simulation, the radiology technician sets up the linear accelerator and leaves the room in order to begin the treatment. The treatment can take anywhere from ten to thirty minutes and must be applied once per day, five days per week, for two to nine weeks.
