Simulation:
The first step in therapy is simulation where the doctor draws marks on the places to be treated directly or take measures and x-rays with the "simulator", which is called thus because its movement resembles the specialized treatment device. But, the simulator does not administer the treatment; it rather takes x-rays until the region to be treated and the best position of the patient during treatment are determined. Simulation mostly takes around 45 minutes. Even though the patient might be in an uncomfortable position, it is necessary for him/her to be stable during this operation so that all measures would be accurately recorded due to the importance of this information during the therapy sessions.

Sometimes, there is a need to take cross-sectional x-rays for the area to be treated as a second phase of the simulation to be followed by a third and last phase until the region to be treated and the neighboring organs are established. This simulation (with cross-sectional x-rays) is only needed by a few patients.

Upon determining the therapy area, ink marks are drawn on the skin to depict the area of therapy. These marks are used by the radiology specialist during the radiation session, sometimes there is a need to draw permanent marks (tattoo) but these are very small.

Mould Room:
Radiation depends on very accurate measurements. For some parts of the body there might be a need to make plastic masks that are worn by patients during the two phases of simulation and therapy; often these patients are those who are receiving treatment in the head or neck area. The mask helps the stabilization of the head during the therapy. Also, in this case, simulation marks could be drawn on the mask instead of the skin.

The preparation of the mask is only for head and neck patients and this is done prior to the simulation where the mask will be used both during the simulation and the treatment sessions.

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