Everything You Should Know About Getting An Oncology Consultation
If you have visited your primary physician and they have reason to suspect that you might have cancer, they will refer you to an oncologist. In this case, the oncologist is a cancer specialist whose role is to diagnose and recommend a course of treatment for various types of cancer. You will also likely meet many other specialists during treatment, but it is crucial to understand the oncologist's role. Here is everything you should know about getting this consultation.
How a Consultation Meeting Works
Your primary care physician will first convey your medical information to an oncologist for review. This entails scans, blood tests, biopsies, MRIs, and the outcomes of any other diagnostic procedures. Additionally, remember to bring all medications you are currently taking. The oncologist will either confirm the presence of cancer after reviewing your medical records and lab data or deliver a negative diagnosis and explain why. In addition, the medical team might recommend that you undergo further examinations. Following this, the oncologist will give you a thorough rundown of your condition and answer any questions.
How to Prepare for the Consultation
You should write down everything you want to ask before your appointment. Note that to get the most out of your treatment, you need to know what to expect before, during, and after various medical procedures. Likewise, you must be aware of the potential consequences should the treatment fail. In this case, the oncologist will give you a prognosis and outline a treatment strategy. Even when the cancer is incurable, oncologists are very forthright when informing patients of their prognosis and outlining a course of action. So, if your cancer is terminal, they will give you a treatment plan to help you deal with the disease, delay its progression, and lessen its symptoms.
How to Prepare Psychologically
Preparing mentally and emotionally is also crucial. This is because news that you have cancer might be the last thing you want to hear. The mere thought of such a diagnosis can impact your mind and emotions and understandably so. That said, you should know how you think and feel about your disease can affect your overall health. In such cases, the love and encouragement of those closest to you are crucial during the diagnosis. Ultimately, this will make maintaining a positive attitude toward the problem easier.
Remember, an oncology consultation has no risk or complications. Depending on the information you present and your medical history, the oncologist will explain everything there is to know about your diagnosis. This will ensure complete information and eliminate confusion on how to proceed with your treatment.
For more information, contact oncology consultants.
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