Beginning Your Search
This information should give you a hand as you begin your search to find the right metastatic brain cancer specialist for you. To help you, the following information will explain why you should seek out a doctor who is a metastatic brain cancer specialist, followed by how to go about finding the right person for you.
Why You Need a Specialist
There are many doctors in the tri-state area who are capable of treating brain tumors. However, it will be important to work with a metastatic brain cancer specialist who has the knowledge and experience to manage your condition. Metastatic brain cancers are composed of cells from the original cancer, which have spread to other areas of the body. The appropriate treatment option will depend on which types of cells are present, as well as the size, location and number of metastases.
Your treatment plan may include Gamma Knife radiosurgery, whole brain radiation therapy, traditional surgery, chemotherapy or a combination approach. Working with a metastatic brain cancer specialist will ensure you receive the most effective treatment for your individual condition.
Finding a Metastatic Brain Cancer Specialist
There are many ways to begin your search for your NJ metastatic brain cancer specialist. The following list outlines some great ways to get started.
Ask People You Trust
Consider reaching out to family, friends and coworkers to find out if they, or anyone they know, can recommend a metastatic brain cancer specialist. Metastatic brain cancer is the most common type of brain tumor in adults, and you may very well find someone who has had treatment in the NJ area who can make a recommendation. You can also as your general physician for recommendations for a specialist close to home.
Look to Online Reviews
You can also extend your search beyond your immediate network and take it online. Many patients write reviews about their experiences, both positive and negative. Reading what others have to say will help you find an NJ neurosurgeon with experience in treating metastatic brain tumors. You can also consider what characteristics are important to you in your specialist, discussed in more detail below, then keep an eye out for keywords and phrases as you read reviews.
Contact Your Insurance Company
If you still need assistance finding a metastatic brain cancer specialist in northern NJ, your insurance company will be able to give you a list of professionals in the area. Though they will not be able to give you subjective information like online reviews, they can at least give you a list of specialists in your area who are qualified to perform your treatment.
What to Look for in a Metastatic Brain Cancer Specialist
It will be up to you what you personally hope to find in your metastatic brain cancer specialist. However, the following suggestions may be things you wish to keep in mind during your search.
As discussed above, you will want a specialist who has experience diagnosing and treating metastatic brain cancer. The appropriate treatment for you will depend on the type of cells making up your tumor; the size, and location and number of tumors present, as well as your primary cancer and overall health status. Working with an experienced doctor will ensure he or she recommends a treatment plan that will be effective in treating your individual condition.
You may wish to make a list of other qualities you feel are important in your doctor. You can even keep this list handy as you talk to others and read online reviews. What you value is not going to be the same as the next patient. However, some qualities you may wish to keep in mind are:
- Empathy
- Confidence
- Honesty
- Compassion
- Integrity
Finally, to ensure all treatment options are taken into consideration, try to find a metastatic brain cancer specialist who can offer a variety of procedures. For example, some neurosurgeons may only be able to offer traditional surgery, whereas another may also be familiar with Gamma Knife radiosurgery. This goes hand-in-hand with finding an experienced metastatic brain cancer specialist who will be able to develop an effective treatment plan for your individual situation.
The Right Specialist for You
Finding a metastatic brain cancer specialist in NJ is going to be a personal process. Think about what qualities are important to you and reach out to people you trust and read online reviews to narrow down your search. When you have narrowed down your search, visit the office and sit down with the doctor to get a feel for the practice and to see if it seems to be a good fit. It may seem like extra work, but taking the time to find someone who makes you comfortable will help you rest easy knowing your health is in good hands.
