MEDICAL SUPPORT

Lung Cancer Medical Support

Lung cancer, whether developed through smoking, long term exposure to asbestos, or the deadly combination of both requires a comprehensive and consultative approach to its treatment. Many different types of health care professionals may be involved, from early detection and medical referrals through treatment options and disease management. The following is a glossary of doctors and medical practitioners who are trained to specifically treat lung cancer.

 

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Medical Support

Professional Medical Support

  • Primary Physician are in most cases the first line of detection and defense and who’s referral is often required by insurance companies.
  • Pulmonologists specialize in diseases involving the respiratory track.
  • Oncologists is a doctor who is trained to diagnose and treat cancer.
  • Pathologists are doctors who perform biopsies of tissue suspected of being cancerous.
  • Oncology Nurses administer cancer treatments like chemotherapy, explain side effects and help patients to understand regiments.
  • Oncology Social Workers are specially trained to deal with cancer patients providing counseling and emotional support to patients, family members and caregivers. 
  • Respiratory Therapists assist patients in improving respiratory issues, breathing, oxygen etc.
  • Thoracic Oncologists are cancer specialists who perform lung surgeries to eliminate tumors, repair lung function and scar tissue.
  • Surgical Oncologists perform all different types of cancer surgeries involving many parts of the human body.
  • Chemotherapist prescribe and administer drugs or chemical agents used to destroy malignant cancer cells and tumors.
  • Radiation Oncologists are physicians that administer radiation therapy to destroy malignant cancer cells or reduce tumors making surgery easier and in some cases more successful.
  • Radiologists use electromagnetic radiation or sound waves to diagnose cancerous material and employ radioactive compounds to treat the disease.
  • Immunologists doctors that can offer treatment for the prevention of additional illnesses such as pneumonia, identifying increased sensitivity to medications and allergies.
  • Pain Management is specifically used to determine the levels of pain toleration and control.
  • Physical Therapists are used to help strengthen patients.
  • Nutritionist offer well balanced diets to assist patients in fighting disease.
  • Psychologists/Psychiatrists maybe employed to help patients with any neurological disorders that might arise due to stress, anxiety, sleep disorders or any condition that affect the patients mental state.
  • Alternative Therapists can provide quality of life and conditional therapies such as acupuncture for controlling pain, massage and hypnotherapy for relaxation and meditation.