A physician certified in therapeutic radiology by the American College of Radiology (ACR), Dr. Alan H. Porter has been in the practice of radiation oncology for more than four decades. Dr. Alan Porter founded the Porter Radiation Oncology Centers, a Florida practice accredited by ACR since 1998.
Most patients that seek medical help from Oncology Centers are referred by their oncologists, while others come by self-referral to obtain a second opinion. During the initial interview, the Oncology Center staff asks the patient to provide some information such as medical records and insurance information. A personalized treatment plan is developed for each patient based on past medical history.
The patient, along with his or her family members, meets with the Radiation Oncologist for consultation. In addition to past medical information, the patient will also undergo a physical exam during this time. A thorough discussion will ensue, which will cover the treatment plan, the rationale behind the treatment recommendations, and the expected side effects and possible risks.
If the treatment plan includes radiation therapy, the patient makes another visit for Simulation, which can be done on a CT scanner or a simulator machine. The process, which can take up to one hour, will place temporary marks on the patient’s skin to guide in the delivery of the needed therapy every day.
Thereafter, Oncology Center will prepare individualized blocks made of high-density metal and tailors the shape of the radiation beam according to the patient’s treatment plan. When everything is ready, the patient comes back to start the treatment. The radiation treatment fields will be set up and localized on the patient. The patient returns every day for 5-15 minutes of radiation treatment. The physician monitors the progress of the treatment every week.
Most patients that seek medical help from Oncology Centers are referred by their oncologists, while others come by self-referral to obtain a second opinion. During the initial interview, the Oncology Center staff asks the patient to provide some information such as medical records and insurance information. A personalized treatment plan is developed for each patient based on past medical history.
The patient, along with his or her family members, meets with the Radiation Oncologist for consultation. In addition to past medical information, the patient will also undergo a physical exam during this time. A thorough discussion will ensue, which will cover the treatment plan, the rationale behind the treatment recommendations, and the expected side effects and possible risks.
If the treatment plan includes radiation therapy, the patient makes another visit for Simulation, which can be done on a CT scanner or a simulator machine. The process, which can take up to one hour, will place temporary marks on the patient’s skin to guide in the delivery of the needed therapy every day.
Thereafter, Oncology Center will prepare individualized blocks made of high-density metal and tailors the shape of the radiation beam according to the patient’s treatment plan. When everything is ready, the patient comes back to start the treatment. The radiation treatment fields will be set up and localized on the patient. The patient returns every day for 5-15 minutes of radiation treatment. The physician monitors the progress of the treatment every week.
