Transitioning to An Oncologist Who Treats Lung Cancer
It’s likely your lung cancer diagnosis came from a primary care physician or a pulmonologist (lung specialist) who cared for you when you noticed symptoms. Now that it’s time for treatment, you will need to see a medical oncologist.
Your medical oncologist will review your biopsy results, images, and any other test results to learn more about your specific case before meeting with the WVCI team of lung cancer experts to develop a treatment plan based on your type of lung cancer. Typically, the medical oncologist will lead the care team for our lung cancer patients.
Throughout treatment at Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center, you will also meet with other cancer specialists which will likely include:
- A radiation oncologist who plans and administers radiation therapy if this type of treatment is part of your plan.
- A thoracic surgeon who specializes in performing surgery to the chest and lungs.
- Advanced practice providers (APPs), including nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who work with your oncologist. You may meet with an APP at some of your appointments. Feel free to talk with them like you would your oncologist.
- Other cancer specialists, including oncology nurses, radiation technicians, dietitians, and social workers, for your supportive care needs.
Determining the Extent of Your Lung Cancer
Your oncologist will determine the stage (extent) of your small cell or non-small cell lung cancer based upon the results of any tests or imaging performed. This is required to see if the cancer has spread or grown outside of the lungs. The stage is one of the determining factors in the recommended treatment.
At Willamette Valley Cancer, your oncologist will recommend treatment based on your type of lung cancer, its stage and your health condition.
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