MDT is an abbreviation of ‘multidisciplinary team’. Every cancer patient is discussed by a team of relevant specialists, to make sure that all available treatment options are considered for each patient. For bowel cancer, this team will include at least: Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
Best practice is for part of the MDT notes to include a very short summary of the patient’s current health, any other health conditions and preferences handed out to everyone at the meeting. These notes take time to prepare but ensure that the best decisions are made and remain relevant. A surprisingly large number of MDT decisions are overturned after the MDT meeting because the patient’s condition and opinions were not fully represented. Pelican strongly believes that the CNS and surgeon should meet the patient before the MDT meeting. Surgeon
Radiologist
MRI scans will be taken before the MDT meeting and presented to everyone for discussion. The radiologist prepares before the meeting, carefully considering the position of the tumour from a number of different angles and whether there are involved margins or any metastatic (secondary) disease in the liver. Professor Gina Brown has revolutionised the way that rectal cancer is imaged, leading to far more accurate information. However, Pelican remains concerned that these results are not reproducible across the country and additional radiology development is necessary so that optimal images are made available at all MDTs. This is not a question of the best equipment, but rather good practice and allowing time to obtain the best views. Oncologist
Histopathologist
The pathologist’s role before surgery is to inform the MDT about the type of tumour, which may have an influence on treatment strategy, and if the information is available, about previous malignant disease or other relevant comorbidities such as inflammatory bowel disease. If the patient has had a malignant polyp removed, the pathologist will provide important information about the polyp to the MDT regarding the need for further surgical treatment. The pathologist’s role after surgery is to inform the MDT what has been found and provide feedback to the surgeon about the quality of the surgical specimen – answering questions such as: Does the specimen reflect the information provided by the radiologist? Has the surgeon removed all of the cancer with clear resection margins? How many lymph nodes were involved? The pathologists will assess how far the tumour has spread in the bowel, which is used in the decision making about the need for further treatment e.g. chemotherapy. They may also provide additional detailed information about the cancer including its individual genetic code, which may indicated whether the tumour is responsive or unresponsive to specific drugs Gastroenterologist
Other specialists may also be available to help you if necessary, such as:
What is the difference between a DPT and PT?What is the difference between a DPT and a PT? A DPT has a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. A PT (physical therapist) has a bachelor's or master's degree in physical therapy. Both DPTs and PTs are qualified to examine and treat movement difficulties.
What is the McKenzie Method used for?The McKenzie Method is a biopsychosocial system of musculoskeletal care emphasizing patient empowerment and self-treatment. This system of diagnosis and patient management applies to acute, subacute and chronic conditions of the spine and extremities.
What is the McKenzie Method for neck pain?The McKenzie Method is a well-known approach to treating neck and back pain. It consists of two main components: Assessment, treatment, and prevention strategies by a trained physical therapist. Home exercises done by the patient.
What is an RPT in Physical Therapy?Those successfully completing an examination became Registered Physical Therapists, hence the origin of the "RPT" designation.
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