Radiation oncologist
National Institute of Oncology (NIO), Gliwice — Department of Radiotherapy
Zagłębie Oncology Centre, Dąbrowa Górnicza
Dr Agnieszka Namysł-Kaletka, MD, PhD
Radiation oncologist. Private appointments, no referral needed.
What does a radiation oncologist do?
A radiation oncologist is a doctor who specialises in treating cancer with ionising radiation, which destroys cancer cells and inhibits their growth. They assess whether patients with cancer are suitable for combined treatment, i.e. radiotherapy combined with surgery or chemotherapy/immunotherapy. They are also involved in cancer diagnosis: they plan and order the appropriate tests so that treatment decisions are based on the best available recommendations.
A radiation oncologist also assesses patients for radiotherapy of non-cancerous conditions, such as heel spurs, inflammation of the plantar fascia of the feet and palmar fascia of the hands, Achilles tendinitis or painful vertebral haemangiomas.
What does treatment involve?
At the first appointment, the doctor takes a detailed medical history to assess the patient's health and past illnesses and to rule out contraindications to radiotherapy. This is followed by a physical examination to assess the patient's general condition and locate the tumour.
Once the diagnosis has been made, the doctor draws up a treatment plan tailored to the patient's needs and health: the radiation dose, the number and frequency of sessions, and the radiotherapy technique. The doctor monitors the course of treatment and, once it is complete, carries out follow-up examinations, assesses how effective the therapy has been and monitors any side effects. The doctor also stays in touch with the patient after treatment, providing help in the event of complications or recurrence.