Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Radiation Therapy - What to Expect at Premier Cancer Centers


Radiation oncologist Dr. Rajiv (Raj) Dahiya holds an MD from the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine. Alongside his work with Predictive Medical Solutions, Dr. Raj Dahiya treats patients at Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX.

At Premier Cancer Centers, the first thing patients can expect is a consultation. After reviewing educational materials, patients have the opportunity to discuss their concerns and treatment goals. 

Patients who choose to have treatment will then undergo a CT scan. This information, as well as data gathered from other tests, is used as a planning tool for physicians, enabling them to create truly custom treatment plans that effectively target tumors while minimizing harm to the surrounding areas. 

A radiation oncologist and physicist will both review treatment plans to ensure they are suitable. Once a treatment plan is finalized, patients begin undergoing treatments. 

The timing and duration of treatments vary greatly by patient. When therapy has concluded, patients receive continued support through follow-up appointments.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Three Types of Common Head and Neck Cancers


Rajiv Dahiya, MD, of Predictive Medical Solutions and Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX, is a leader in oncology. Dr. Raj Dahiya focuses on advanced radiation technologies in his practice. Many of Dr. Raj Dahiya’s patients undergo treatments for cancer of the head or neck, which include:

- Hypopharyngeal cancer. Occurring in the hypopharynx, the opening to the esophagus, this cancer usually forms in the thin, flat squamous cells that line the inside of the hypopharynx. Early signs include sore throats and ear pain. 

- Laryngeal cancer. Occurring when malignant cells form in the larynx, the part of the throat that contains vocal cords, this type of cancer often begins in squamous cells and can include symptoms such as ear pain and a sore throat. It some cases, laryngeal cancer can spread to nearby structures such as lymph nodes. 

- Oropharyngeal cancer. With symptoms that may include a lump and a sore throat, this cancer affects the oropharynx, including the back third of the tongue, soft palate, tonsils, and back of the throat. People with HPV may be at increased risk for this particular cancer.

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

An Overview of the CyberKnife System




Formerly with Predictive Medical Solutions, Dr. Rajiv "Raj" Dahiya, a radiation oncologist with an MD from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, now treats patients as a physician with Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX. At Premier Cancer Centers, Dr. Raj Dahiya uses the latest treatment technologies, including the CyberKnife System

First cleared for use by the FDA in 1999, the CyberKnife System was originally employed to radiate treatment targets in the head and the base of the skull. Since then, the noninvasive radiation system has been approved to treat conditions outside of the skull, and hundreds of thousands of patients have benefitted from the advanced technology. 

Using a robotic system and real-time imaging, CyberKnife is able to deliver high doses of radiation directly targets with sub-millimeter precision. The accuracy of the system greatly reduces the negative effects that radiation exposure can have on surrounding healthy organs and tissue. 

Designed to treat both cancerous and noncancerous tumors, CyberKnife can target sites in various organs and areas throughout the body. It is especially beneficial for patients with tumors that are inoperable or difficult to reach through traditional surgical methods.