What advancements or technologies are utilised by radiation oncologists?
Aster Prime Hospital in Hyderabad houses top-notch facilities and medical devices for cancer patients. These range from diagnostic tools like CT scanners and X-ray machines to delivery techniques like Linac, IMRT, IGRT, SRS, and SBRT. The hospital also leverages the Treatment Planning System to analyse test images to gain detailed insights into patients’ health conditions.
What question should you ask a radiation oncologist?
Patients must ask questions related to their medical conditions, including the underlying symptoms, potential threats, life-threatening conditions, and other associated risks. They should also know the treatment process, instructions and guidelines to follow, treatment duration, potential benefits of radiation therapy, and post-treatment symptoms to consider.
How does a radiation oncologist decide on a treatment plan?
They examine patients’ medical conditions through physical examinations and imaging tests like CT scans and X-rays. They also review patients’ previous test results and reports to thoroughly understand their health or repeat these tests to identify the current underlying threats and symptoms. Therefore, they proceed with a treatment plan after getting patients' consent.
What does a radiation oncologist do?
Radiation oncologists provide radiation therapy treatment to cancer patients. They also determine if the patient requires the therapy and analyse the appropriate amount of radiation to be given. They collaborate with cancer treatment staff to oversee the therapy and provide comprehensive care to patients.
What is the role of a radiation oncologist in a patient's treatment journey?
Radiation oncologists play a vital role in patients’ treatment journey by providing radiation therapy to cure cancer. They design the treatment plan, considering the patient’s medical conditions and consult with other specialists to provide preventive care to patients.
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.
