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The identification of abnormalities on radiotherapy CT planning scans: a retrospective audit

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 March 2022

Josie Cameron Open the ORCID record for Josie Cameron [Opens in a new window]
Josie Cameron*
Affiliation:
NHS Lothian, Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Josie Cameron, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK. Email: josie.cameron@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
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Abstract

Introduction:

Therapeutic radiographers are an essential part of a cancer patient’s journey and play a vital and changing role in the delivery of radiotherapy services. This retrospective audit highlights the number of incidental abnormalities found by a Breast Advanced Practitioner on radiotherapy computed tomography (CT) planning scans and their subsequent management.

Methods:

This retrospective audit investigated the incidental abnormalities found by the Breast Advanced Practitioner on routine CT planning scans for breast cancer patients 2016–2021. Any breast cancer patient found to have an abnormality had their planning scan uploaded to the national picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) system for radiology review. Further formal CT imaging was requested or direct referral to an appropriate multi-disciplinary team meeting.

Results:

Sixty-three significant abnormalities were found over the five-year period, of these thirty seven were malignant and the majority of these were lung lesions. Seven patients went on to have surgery alone, surgery plus chemoradiation or stereotactic ablative radiotherapy for their newly diagnosed lung primaries. Five patients were found to have liver metastases that unfortunately changed their treatment plan to palliative.

Conclusion:

This retrospective audit has demonstrated that CT planning for radiotherapy offers an opportunity to identify malignant abnormalities at a potentially early stage, thereby improving prognosis and survival. Radiographers have a duty of care to appraise these CT scans to ensure any abnormalities can be addressed in a timely manner.

Keywords

advanced practicebreast cancerincidental abnormalitiesradiotherapy
Type
Original Article
Information
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice , Volume 22 , 2023 , e34
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press

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