El Portal Comprehensive Cancer Center Expert Medical Oncologist (EPCCC), we’re here to help you find answers and understand the steps we take to diagnose and treat you. Below you will find a step-by-step explanation of what to expect when you become an EPCCC patient. And always feel free to contact us directly if you have questions or concerns.
Your Consultation
You’ll be interviewed and examined by one of our physicians, an oncologist, hematologist or urologist, depending on your condition. The doctor who referred you (probably your primary care physician) will have provided your medical records, but we will also ask you to fill out paperwork about your health history, medications you’re taking, and recent medical visits with other specialists.
Diagnosis
If you’ve been referred for a cancer diagnosis, your medical oncologist will order lab tests, which may include a blood work-up, complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis and other tests. The doctor may order a biopsy of the tumor site. And you’ll have imaging scans as well, such as CT, X-ray, MRI, PET, ultrasound, or bone scan.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
After confirming your diagnosis, your medical oncologist will put together your team of treatment specialists — usually a surgeon, medical oncologist, and radiation oncologist. An integrative oncologist is also available to help you with treatment and quality of life issues. Together, your team develops a treatment plan tailored exactly to your lifestyle and treatment goals. If you’ve come to us with a blood disorder or hematologic malignancy, one of our skilled oncologist/hematologists will diagnose the condition, prescribe treatment and establish your follow-up protocol.
Treatment
Treatment options are varied and you may have surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of all three. It depends on the type and stage of your cancer. Our certified nursing staff will explain treatment protocols and review any potential side effects. Treatment will take place at one of our clinics or in a hospital.
Post-Treatment Care
During and after cancer treatment, you’ll have several follow-up appointments so your treatment team can continue to assess your progress and recovery. They’ll be there to help you with treatment questions, possible side effects and to plan your long-term follow-up care.
On-going Support
El Portal Comprehensive Cancer Center Expert Medical Oncology treatment team will always be here for you.