With modern treatments and the advanced medical technology, there are a number treatment options for prostate cancer patients. According to an individual cancer stage and state of health, some of these prostate treatment options can be personalized to handle specific needs. However, managing prostate cancer requires more than just a set of medical procedures and treatment options; It usually involves various medical practitioners who work in unison to provide the best medical treatment for your case.
Prostate cancer treatment is often associated with a team of specialists who contribute in different ways towards the treatment program. Endless meetings are organised to bring these specialists together for further deliberations. They bring with them specialized perspectives that are analyzed in details to come up with a suitable treatment option for each patient.
These team of specialists include,
Urologists
In the treatment of prostate cancer, one important medical professional is the urologist. A urologist is specially trained to deal with issues that affect the urinal tract, which includes ureters, bladder urethra and kidneys. This doctor is also conversant with problems of the male reproductive system. However, not all urologists cover advance urinary tract disorders such as prostate cancer. There are those that have further specialized in cancer treatment and are referred to as urologic oncologists.
Radiation Oncologist
This type of surgeon specializes in the application of radiation therapy in prostate cancer treatment. All treatment plans and the delivery of the same must pass through a radiation oncologist. While receiving radiation therapy, it’s the duty of this physician to monitor and ensure the treatment is going on as planned. Radiation Oncology is among the three primary specialist tasked in cancer treatment; the other two are medical and surgical oncologists.
Medical Oncologist
As earlier mentioned, a medical oncologist is among the primary specialists in the treatment of cancer. Typically, this physician specializes in everything that involves medical therapies. Such therapies include hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and biological therapy. In case you develop complications during this treatment, a medical oncology is the one to handle you.
These three specialists work in collaboration in any prostate cancer treatment case. However, there other medical specialists that facilitate the entire treatment process. Their work may go unnoticed, but in the collective cancer treatment therapy, they play a major role. Some of them don’t directly affect the treatment procedure, but at least they are there to alleviate pain and make a patient more comfortable.
Oncology Nurses
During prostate cancer treatment, a patient undergoes different treatment options depending on the extent of cancer. Some treatment options are extremely painful than others. One example of painless prostate cancer treatment is the proton beam radiation. Most patients who’ve received this medical care affirm that this therapy is pain-free with little or no discomfort. However, advanced prostate cancer treatments are painful, and this is where oncology nurses come in. They are trained to offer help such as administration of chemotherapy, prescribe medication, monitor patient’s state among other treatments
Dietitians, Physical Therapists, Counselors and Occupational therapists
These medical assistants handle different health care. They treat injuries, manage patient’s diet, assist in basic health routines, regular check-ups and offer professional help for patients.