If the doctor suspects that the patient's symptoms indicate the development of cancer in the body, he directs him to consult an oncologist. At the first appointment, the specialist asks about the symptoms, how and when they started, the results of the tests performed, and what medications were previously prescribed. Therefore, before making an appointment with an oncologist, the patient must prepare a list of all medications taken and copies of the results of diagnostic procedures performed. It is advisable that the patient be accompanied by a family member, as it is difficult to respond to some of the doctor's words without the support of loved ones. You can find out how much an oncologist's consultation costs in advance by phone.
What happens at the first and second oncologist's consultation
After analyzing the available test results, the oncologist may recommend additional tests to confirm the diagnosis of cancer or exclude it. In any case, a specialist will make a diagnosis. The total cost of an oncologist's consultation will depend on the clinic and the diagnostic procedures performed.
Depending on the type and stage of the suspected disease, a follow-up meeting usually takes place with several doctors: a regular oncologist, surgical and radiation oncologists. Each of these specialists helps to better understand the diagnosis and treatment options. Doctors will talk as transparently as possible about possible medical procedures in order to jointly make an informed decision on treatment.
What questions should a patient ask at an oncologist's consultation?
As a rule, the oncologist provides enough time to answer all the patient's questions and listen to their concerns. Therefore, it is advisable to write down the aspects of interest in advance. The main issues may be as follows.
- What is the diagnosis and how soon should I start therapy?
- What are the treatment options, what are the negative and positive aspects associated with them, and how long will each course of therapy take?
- What kind of treatment would a doctor recommend?
- What are the potential risks and side effects of the recommended therapy or surgery?
- Does it make sense to participate in clinical trials?
- How will the treatment affect your daily life?
- How long can I repeat the course of treatment?
- Will the treatment affect fertility? If so, is there anything that can be done to preserve the ability to have children in the future?
- What should I do if new symptoms occur after starting therapy?
- What can help you cope with thoughts about the diagnosis?
- Who can I call if I have any additional questions?
As part of the consultation, the oncologist will also announce the prognosis. The chances of recovery usually depend on the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, and the body's response to treatment. Some cancers are incurable, but they can be treated, which significantly prolongs life and improves its quality. Abroad, an oncologist's consultation often invites a patient with a complex diagnosis to participate in clinical trials of innovative drugs or procedures.
Possible difficulties in consulting an oncologist
The main risk of consulting an oncologist is a false positive cancer diagnosis. To reduce this risk, an experienced doctor prescribes a re-check of all indicators before announcing the result.
