Wearing an radiotherapy mask & How a radiotherapy mask made
What are radiotherapy masks?
An radiotherapy mask is a specially made mask to assist with staying still during radiation therapy treatment, Its main component is low-temperature thermoplastic materials.
Preparing for radiation therapy treatment
Knowing what to expect can help patient prepare and reduce any anxiety may be feeling.
The thermoplastic mask often used to immobilize patients in radiotherapy can cause varying levels of stress and anxiety.
Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients commonly undergo radiation therapy requiring immobilisation by a mask. Some find the mask distressing, described as ‘mask anxiety’. and this can disrupt treatment sessions.
Studys show that Mask anxiety impacted a quarter of participants undergoing radiotherapy for HNC（Head and Neck Canner). Some prospective examination of mask anxiety during radiotherapy identified a number of interventions that helped minimise mask anxiety include health professional intervention, self–taught strategies (breath regulation and meditation), music, visualisation and the use of medication. , and patient education to assist preparation for wearing the mask during RT are strategies that could improve current management of mask anxiety.
The explanations provided by health professionals on the radiotherapy mask possibly have a very positive effect on alleviate mask anxiety.
