To streamline the process, patients are asked to have their pathology, radiology, and any other records sent to M. D. Anderson before the actual visit. In some instances, additional tests are needed, but usually the tests the patient has already had are sufficient. The records are reviewed by physicians and pathologists from the appropriate specialty area. They either agree or disagree with the initial diagnosis and treatment plan. Abbruzzese or Lenzi will then tell the patient what these specialists recommend.
Patients can usually get answers to their questions in a single visit.
Abbruzzese commented that patients benefit from the advanced technology available at M. D. Anderson, such as fine-needle biopsy, ultrasonic testing, comprehensive breast diagnostic testing, and specialized interventional radiography and nuclear imaging. Most of the time, M. D. Anderson physicians concur with the original diagnosis. It is actually unusual that we have a big disagreement with an original diagnosis. Because it is a research institution, however, M. D. Anderson is sometimes able to make suggestions for patients interested in experimental therapies. Program Updates Patients, Physicians about Cancer Care One of the goals of the service is to provide cancer patients and primary care physicians with a general view of the treatments available for their particular types of cancer.