Treatment Team
Many different healthcare professionals will play a role in your cancer treatment. Some of them are:
- Medical oncologist. An oncologist is a physician who specializes in treating cancer. Often the medical oncologist is the key person who refers the patient on to additional specialists, such as radiation oncologists (cancer doctors who administer radiation therapy), surgical oncologists (cancer doctors who perform surgery), and so on. Lung cancer patients are encouraged be seen by a thoracic oncologist, which is a cancer doctor with expertise in lung cancer.
- Oncology nurse. Oncology nurses are specially trained to administer cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, monitor side effects during treatment, and educate patients and families about treatment and its side effects.
- Oncology social worker. The oncology social worker is trained to provide special counseling and practical assistance to cancer patients. They can provide emotional support, assist in coping with treatment and treatment side effects, help patients communicate with their treatment team, and refer patients to resources. CancerCare, the founder of this web site, provides these services to lung cancer patients and those who care for them.
- Palliative care specialist/Pain management specialist. These physicians have special training in alleviating side effects from the cancer and also in pain management.
- Pathologist. This physician examines the lung cell tissue samples collected during a biopsy to determine if the patient has lung cancer, as well as the type and stage of disease.
- Physical therapist. A physical therapist helps patients regain strength and movement during and after treatment.
- Primary care physician. A primary care physician (or family doctor) is the first person most people see if they are not feeling well, or are having unusual health symptoms. Some insurance companies mandate that a patient see their primary care physician in order to obtain a referral to a specialist. Often, the primary care physician will order the initial round of diagnostic tests.
- Psychiatrist or psychologist. These mental health professionals provide psychotherapy for people experiencing anxiety, depression, and other psychological illnesses. Psychiatrists, who are also medical doctors, can prescribe medication.
- Pulmonologist. A pulmonologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of lung disease. He or she can perform tests and biopsies, and treat patients who have respiratory issues related to lung cancer.
- Radiation oncologist. The radiation oncologist is a specialist at using radiation to treat cancer.
- Radiologist. A physician who takes and interprets follow-up CT, PET and MRI scans during and after treatment to monitor disease progression and response to treatment.
- Registered dietitian. A dietitian provides counsel to patients who are experiencing weight loss or other nutritional problems associated with their disease or treatment.
- Respiratory therapist. A respiratory therapist helps patients learn to breathe better in order to regain breathing capacity.
- Thoracic surgeon. The thoracic surgeon performs chest surgery and may also have specialized training in surgical oncology—the use of surgery to remove cancerous tumors and tissues.