Receiving a diagnosis of cancer is potentially heavy and overwhelming, but patients will have hope and clarity if they are provided with an explicit pathway of treatment. Cancer treatment planning is a significant first step in combating cancer, and each medical practitioner develops a cancer treatment plan for each individual patient. The planning of treatment will ensure that the patient receives the best possible care and personalized treatment based on their specific type and stage of cancer, along with their general health. In this article, we will discuss in detail the procedure of Cancer treatment planning.
- Initial Evaluation and Diagnosis
The first step in treatment planning is to formulate an accurate diagnosis with proper staging of the disease. This involves a detailed series of tests/evaluations, and some patients will have blood tests, biopsies, imaging tests (CT, MRI, or PET), and a pathology review. The pathology and imaging will ascertain both the type of cancer and the location of the cancer, and whether or not it has spread. Treatment cannot be directed without an accurate diagnosis.
- Meet the Multidisciplinary Team
Cancer care is never one physician’s responsibility. In actuality, a multidisciplinary team of experts, including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists, meets to discuss the best treatment plan for the diagnosed patient. This team effort in treatment allows every dimension of the patient’s condition to be evaluated before the treatment is selected.
- Staging and Overall Health Assessment
Cancer is staged from Stage I to Stage IV to help determine a plan of care. Staging indicates how advanced the cancer is and if the cancer has metastasized, which means it has spread to other organs. In conjunction with staging, a Cancer Specialist near me assesses the patient’s overall health, other existing health conditions, and other factors related to health. All of these steps ensure that not only is the treatment expected to work, but it is also safe.
- Treatment Options
Once the diagnosis and stage of cancer are obtained, doctors will outline the treatment options available, which incorporate things such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted treatment, or various combinations of treatments, and once again, newer options such as immunotherapy or (robotic) surgical options might be discussed for some patients. The goal is not only to provide the best chance of a successful treatment plan but also to avoid treatments or procedures that could cause significant side effects.
- Discussing Risks, Benefits, & Patient Preferences
Treating cancer is not a cookie-cutter approach. During the planning period, the Best cancer doctor in Mohali will provide the patients with the potential benefits and side effects, and also explain the major risks and non-lethal potential outcomes for each option. Patients will be asked to participate and describe their concerns, their personal lifestyle objectives, and preferences. For example, one patient may address quality of life, while another patient may prefer aggressive treatment. Shared decision-making recognizes both medical concerns and valid values that patients have.
If you are looking for the Best Hospital for Cancer treatment near me or the Best Cancer specialist doctor in Mohali, Sohana Hospital might just be the best option for you. Sohana Hospital Mohali is home to the world’s most advanced technology and North India’s most trusted and experienced cancer specialists who provide the most comprehensive and holistic cancer care, with the most patient-centric approach. With your determination and the expertise of the doctors, Cancer can be conquered!