Only patients who are suffering from cancer symptoms or who were diagnosed with cancer can benefit from an oncology consultation.
Before the initial oncology consultation, patients should prepare medical documents regarding their health condition for their medical history, and patients can prepare their questions for the doctor.
The oncology consultation lasts for between 30 to 60 minutes. Additional tests and consultations might be asked by the doctor to organize a treatment plan. The treatment plan may involve different kinds of techniques depending on the patient’s condition, treatments like radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgeries might be included. Most of the time, the doctor asks for different scan procedures to be performed, such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography). With the help of MRI and PET, scan doctors can identify the tumor and get a wider point of view regarding the disease and the treatment plan. The doctor will review all the test results and will adapt the treatment plan to meet the patient’s needs. During an oncology consultation, the patient will be informed in detail of the risks and complications of every treatment option.
There is no recovery period of oncology consultation. However, there might be a recovery period regarding the chosen cancer treatment, such as surgery or chemotherapy.
There are no complications or risks related to an oncology consultation. It is a non-intrusive procedure in that the doctor and the patient discuss the best treatment for the future. However, afterward, when the patient follows a certain kind of treatment, it may involve some risks related to the procedure. Yet, the patient would be informed about the possible risks and complications.
Oncology consultation has no side effects since it is a process in which patients are informed about cancer treatments and possible side effects of different cancer treatments.
An oncology consultation aims to offer the most suitable management for the patient’s illness, depending on the patient’s general well-being and financial status. Oncology consultation is very effective in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer.
Before the oncology consultation, the patients should prepare any related documents such as copies of scans, biopsies, test results, etc. Also, you should inform your doctor about the medications you have been taking so that the doctor can specify any possible interactions with the treatment. It might be useful to take notes and ask questions during the oncology consultation. Also, bringing a family member to the oncology consultation is recommended since it would cause social support. If you are suffering from a complex kind of disease, it is recommended to get a second opinion from another specialist.
How many oncology meetings do I need after my diagnosis?
It differs depending on your medical condition. However, your doctor would provide you with such information during the first oncology appointment.
Will I have a prognosis after my first appointment?
During your first oncology consultation, your doctor would inform you about possible treatment alternatives and prognosis.
Should I ask for a second opinion after my first oncology consultation?
Getting a second opinion is recommended for patients who are suffering from a complex form of the disease.