If you “need a village to raise a child”; then, you “need a
care team to treat Head and Neck Cancer”.
I reached out to South Florida Radiation Oncologist, Dr.
James T. Parsons for his insight on how the complexities of treating Head and
Neck Cancers can be lessened by utilizing a well synchronized group of medical
professional. Dr. Parsons is an
internationally recognized expert in the field of Head and Neck Cancer
treatment.
We would like to emphasize the importance of a coordinated
team approach for successful treatment of one of the most complex of all cancer
diagnoses.
Unless they have a previous experience or personal
knowledge, when most people think of cancer treatment, rarely do they truly
understand that it will require a finely choreographed coordination amongst
several healthcare professionals and other caregivers.
I posed the following questions to Dr. Parsons about the “Care
Team” approach in the treatment of Head and Neck Cancers.
Q: Who would you say
are the necessary healthcare professionals that a patient should consult when
he or she is diagnosed with Head and Neck Cancer?
A:
1. Head and Neck Surgeon
2. Medical Oncologist
3. Radiation Oncologist
4. Dentist
5. Oral Surgeon
1. Head and Neck Surgeon
2. Medical Oncologist
3. Radiation Oncologist
4. Dentist
5. Oral Surgeon
Q: How do patients
navigate through the many treatment options, such as chemotherapy, radiation
therapy and surgery or combinations of multiple modalities, to make the right
decision about their treatment course?
A: This is one of the
benefits of having a “Care Team” approach.
If all the healthcare providers work together in evaluating the
patient’s treatment needs, usually this provides a consensus of opinion,
simplifying the decision-making process for the patient. Occasionally, providers may agree on multiple
treatments options, this is when assistance from family and/or close friends
can be extremely helpful in the decision making process.
Q: You mention the
patient’s family and friends; I assume these persons can also have a tremendous
impact on the well-being of the patient during and after treatment. Do you consider family and friends to be part
of the patient “Care Team” as well?
A: Definitely. Treatment for Head and Neck type cancers,
like most cancers, can produce multiple side effects. A strong at home support system is just as
crucial to the success of the treatment as any medical service. Once treatment begins, additional healthcare
resources may join the “Care Team” such as: social workers, registered
dieticians, and home health nurses or aides.
Q: Any final thoughts
on the “Care Team” approach?
A: Early intervention
by the surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, dentist and oral
surgeon ensure that a rational plan of care can be developed, reducing the
occurrence of any surprises along the way.
You can follow this link to the National Institutes of
Health’s website for more information on Oral Cancer:
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