Your radiation oncologist is the specialist best qualified to assess (with your input) whether radiation therapy could contribute to your welfare.

When you first come to NYU, we will review all of the aspects of your status that could influence your need for radiation therapy and its likely results. This includes review of your current problem, past medical history, past surgical history, family history, medications, allergies and lifestyle as well as an organ system by organ system audit of your symptoms. We will also perform a physical examination that will help us assess the extent of your problem and judge your general physical condition to estimate any influence it may have over your response to radiation therapy. We will review any relevant x-rays and lab tests that you already have had. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, we will fully discuss with you the potential benefits, risks and alternatives of radiation therapy in your care and answer any questions that you may have at the time of consultation. Of course, if you think of any new questions later, we will answer them as they arise.

If you require any additional testing before a recommendation can be made, we will arrange for it to be done.

As all of this takes time, please be prepared to spend at least one and a half hours with us for your consultation. Do not be deceived into thinking that all linear accelerators provide the same treatment and that the quality of the physicians and technical staff is not extremely important.

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