Having a Shell for Radiotherapy

An Introduction to the Mould Room. 

Radiotherapy treatment requires you to be positioned precisely in the radiotherapy beam.  You also need to keep very still during treatment.  This is especially important when areas such as your head, neck or brain are treated, so to help you keep still we make an immobilisation mask or shell. 

What is a Shell?

A shell or mask in made of clear plastic and will cover your head and face during treatment.  Holes will be cut for your eyes, nose and mouth and the mask will fix on to the treatment table top. 

The Shell serves 3 purposes:

• It ensures that you are positioned in exactly the the same place every time you are treated

• It keeps you perfectly still during treatment

• The marks need to assist the treatment can be drawn on the mask and not on your skin.

How is it Made?

Three visits are required to complete a mask or shell.  Firstly, we need to take an impression of the areas to be treated.  We do this with plaster of Paris bandages, moulding them to the correct shape without covering you nose and mouth.

How Long Will it Take?

The impression itself takes about 10 minutes to complete, but you will need to allow about 30 minutes for your appointment.

Is it painful?

Not at all.  The plaster  of Paris gets warm as it is setting but this is normal and not too uncomfortable.  There may be some noise as the impression is removed but that is all. 

What can you do to Help?

Taking an impression can be a little messy, so we suggest that you wear clothes that can easily be removed or loose clothing with a low collar. 
It is important that the shell fits well during your treatment.  The following points will help the she to fit properly.
If you are having  your brain treated, please have your hair cut short before you attend the mould room for your impression. 
For all head, neck and brain treatments, if you have a beard, please could you shave it off before you attend the mould room for your impression. 

What happens after the impression? 

Once the impression has been taken you will be free to go home.  Before you leave we will give you your appointment schedule.
One the second visit we will have the plastic mask ready for a fitting.  On the third visit the treatment plan will be checked. 

After the Shell has been Made

You will need to wear your shell for short periods only, when your treatment is planned and when you have your treatment each day.  The shell will be fitted and removed by the radiographers who give you your treatment.