Choosing the right doctors will be one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make. Yet, finding a knowledgeable physician experienced in treating adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) can be a challenge.
In order to help ACC patients make an informed decision in selecting doctors, Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Organization International (ACCOI), offers a listing of physicians provided by ACC patients or family members.
Choosing the right doctors will be one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make. Yet, finding a knowledgeable physician experienced in treating adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) can be a challenge.
In order to help ACC patients make an informed decision in selecting doctors, Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Organization International (ACCOI), offers a listing of physicians provided by ACC patients or family members.
Patients and loved ones should pay special attention to each physician’s specialty: Surgery, Radiation Oncology, or Medical Oncology. Although each patient’s situation is different, the current standard of care for newly-diagnosed ACC patients usually involves surgery followed by radiation. Often, a surgeon will be the first medical professional seen by an ACC patient, with later referrals to radiation oncologists, and/or medical oncologists. Ideally, a multidisciplinary team of all specialties (sometimes referred to as a “tumor board”) will review the options and proposed treatment plan for each ACC patient.
Surgeon
may surgically remove part or all of the tumor and attempt to get clear margins.
Radiation Oncologists
may treat primary tumors that cannot be removed surgically, residual disease after surgery or recurrences.
Medical Oncologists
may suggest systemic therapy (targeted drugs/and/or chemotherapy) if residual disease cannot be surgically removed or the patient has advanced metastatic disease.
Specialty physicians may be useful for patients with tumors in less common sites or seeking particular treatments:
- Patients dealing with primary tumors may seek out a surgeon focused on the head & neck or otolaryngology (ear, nose & throat).
- Patients with primary tumors in the trachea or lung metastases may wish to consult with a thoracic surgeon.
- Patients navigating ACC of the vulva may consult with a gynecologist.
- Patients experiencing tumors near the eye or ACC of the tear ducts may chose to consult with an ophthalmologist.
- Patients with substantial oral surgery needing dental work or a prosthesis (obturator) may consult with a prosthodontist. In the US, a list of prosthodontists can also be found here: https://www.gotoapro.org/
- Patients dealing with metastasis may seek out an interventional radiologist.
