I am starting radiotherapy to the neck. I have had my mask made but since then have started wearing a wig. Will I have to remove it during radiotherapy?
Thank you for posting a question. I am one of the nurses and the moderator though that it might be useful for us to reply. I sorry to learn that you need to have radiotherapy treatment.
I can’t give you a completely straightforward answer to your question about wearing the wig, as this will depend on your individual circumstances. But I think that you may need to remove it. This is because the mask will have been made to fit the shape of your face and head exactly. So if the wig adds extra bulk, then the mask might be too tight or uncomfortable. If you are very troubled by the thought of taking off the wig do speak to the staff at the radiotherapy department when you have your treatment.
I hope that the radiotherapy treatment is not to taxing for you. If you have any other questions you are welcome to get back to us. If you would like to telephone our freephone number is 0808 800 4040. We are here from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am to 5pm.
The masks are made to be very tight fitting so that you dont move your head whilst being treated. This is essential so that the xrays are placed exactly where needed to the millimeter. There are lots of important areas in your neck that the xrays need to miss for example your spinal cord. You will get some tattoo dots placed on you chest so you are lined up exactly each time. The fitting is so exact I was asked to shave off my beard of 40 years, I felt quite self conscious with this and I can see you would be very self conscious without your wig. Contact the radiology department as soon as possible, they may make you another mask (at a cost to the hospital of around £500 with the revised planning needed). Otherwise I can assure you the radiologists are very sympathetic and respectful and will put you at ease, they treat every type of cancer and see every type of person in varying modes of undress. You have to balance your short term discomfort with the long term benefits your treatment will bring.
You have quite a rough journey ahead of you with the treatment to your neck, if you need any help come back here with your questions and I will try to answer them. During treatment tell the radiologists each day any problems that arise, my hospital were fantastic and helped me through my problems every step of the way, from dealing with nausea, dry mouth, sore throat and mouth, to treating skin burns, and pain with advice on diet and excercises to keep the swallowing reflex going. Wishing you lots of resolve in the coming weeks. Kim
