Radiation Oncology: Treatment Planning
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What to expect when you meet with the radiation oncology team
When you arrive at CTCA at Eastern Regional Medical Center, the first place you will visit is the Outpatient Clinic located on the first floor of the hospital. Your first appointment at CTCA will be with a medical oncologist for a consultation and evaluation. Your medical oncologist will coordinate your meetings with the other clinical departments.
One of these appointments will be with the Department of Radiology/Imaging for a series of diagnostic tests. If radiation therapy is part of your treatment, you will visit with the radiation oncology team next.
These appointments will usually take place on the second day of your initial three-to-five-day evaluation period at CTCA. Our clinicians will use the results from these tests, along with any previous test results, to build a personalized treatment plan for you.
Your radiation treatment plan
Since each cancer type requires a different approach, your treatment plan will be based on your unique needs and treatment goals. You may receive radiation therapy alone, or in combination with other treatment modalities like surgery and/or chemotherapy.
You may receive radiation therapy before surgery to shrink the tumor, or after surgery to attempt to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Radiation therapy may also be used for cancer that has metastasized, or spread, to other areas of the body, or as a palliative treatment to help relieve pain.
To receive your actual radiation treatments, you’ll visit the Department of Radiation Oncology on the first floor of the hospital.
Your treatment regime and your personal preferences will determine when you come in for scheduled treatments.
Throughout your care, the radiation oncology team will take time to answer your questions so you can feel comfortable with your treatment.