How should I prepare for my first visit to a radiation oncologist?
You must prepare by carrying all medical reports related to your cancer treatment and providing complete details of your previous treatment. This helps specialists assess your condition effectively. Also, reach the Aster MIMS Hospital before the appointment to understand the treatment process and guidelines.
When should I consider seeing a radiation oncologist?
Patients are advised to see top radiation oncologists in Calicut at Aster MIMS Hospital when they’re diagnosed with cancer, and radiation therapy is a part of the treatment. Further, if cancerous cells are not completely killed after the initial treatment, radiation therapy is required. Similarly, after surgical treatment, radiation therapy is recommended to prevent the recurrence of cancerous cells.
What documents should I carry on my first visit to a radiation oncologist?
Patients are advised to carry their medical reports related to the specific cancer, test results of past treatments, and a list of current reactions and conditions they experience. They should also carry referral letters from their previous specialists, insurance cards, and a list of medications they consume to treat the current cancer symptoms.
What are the most common types of conditions that radiation oncologists treat?
Medical specialists at Aster MIMS Hospital treat a wide range of cancers, including three major ones: breast cancer, Lung cancer, and Prostate cancer. Radiation therapy targets cancerous cells in breast cancer treatment, whereas non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer are treated in lung cancer treatment. Lastly, specialists may treat prostate cancer along with the two mentioned treatments.
What advancements or technologies are utilised by radiation oncologists?
During the immobilisation process, casts, vacuum cushions, and thermoplastic moulds are used to keep various parts of the body in position. Patients undergo CT scans, MRI scans, or PET-CT scans according to their treatment, followed by a Treatment Planning System (TPS) where the images are sent for further assessment. They also leverage IMRT, IGRT, SBRT, and SRS delivery techniques for further treatment.
What question should you ask a radiation oncologist?
Patients must ask questions related to their medical conditions, like the radiation type they’d receive, possible side effects, and treatment duration. They should also know the centre where the treatment would be done, the number of treatments to be done, lifestyle changes required, the availability of medical staff, and the overall treatment schedule.
How does a radiation oncologist decide on a treatment plan?
Radiation oncologists in Calicut first understand patients' overall condition by reviewing test results, reports, and previous health documents. They also conduct physical examinations to determine the current status of cancerous cells and educate patients regarding available radiation treatment options and their associated risks and benefits. After getting your consent for the treatment, they begin.
What does a radiation oncologist do?
Radiation oncologists specialise in providing radiation therapy treatment to treat cancer. They are responsible for creating the overall treatment plan by assessing patients’ medical conditions and history. They oversee all treatments, collaborate with medical specialists, educate patients about treatment options, and manage radiation therapy side effects.
What documents to carry on my first visit to a Medical Oncologist?
Bring pertinent medical records, a list of prescriptions, insurance information, photo identification, contact information, and family medical history with you when you see a medical oncologist for the first time. The oncologist can thoroughly evaluate your case and give you the best care possible with the aid of these records and information.
Do Medical Oncologists perform surgery?
The administration and supervision of systemic therapies, including immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy, is the primary focus of medical oncologists treating cancer. They play a crucial role in organising care and treatment plans for cancer patients, even though they don't perform surgeries themselves.
