M. Heinrich Seegenschmiedt: We are more than Radiation Oncologist
M. Heinrich Seegenschmiedt, staff member of RadioOnkologieNetzwerk, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“We are more than RADIATION ONCOLOGIST …
We are representing RADIATION MEDICINE in all aspects of medicine.
Similar to the professional medical specialty and discipline ‘DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING’ which was formerly termed ‘RADIOLOGY’ our discipline is not chained to CANCER THERAPY within the multidisciplinary field of ONCOLOGY (containing specialities like medical oncology, surgical oncology, oncologic imaging, tumour pathology etc.).
Our discipline involves theoretical and practical skills and clinical knowledge about the biological and physical principles of megavoltage and orthovoltage ionizing radiation, and the possible clinical applications, for example
in the head region:
Tumour therapy plus stereotactic radiotherapy or radiosurgery for the well defined and localized malignant or benign tumours or benign pain conditions in collaboration with neurosurgeons.
in the head and neck and chest region:
for antiproliferative radiotherapy of keloids and keloid relapses, Dupuytren and Ledderhose Disease in collaboration with plastic surgery
in the heart:
for ablative effects for uncontrolled atrial fibrillation foci in conjunction with cardiology
in joints and soft tissues
for anti-phlogistic and anti-inflammatory effects at osteoarthritic joints (shoulder, elbow, hand & finger joints, hip, knee, foot and toe joints)
in collaboration with pain medicine and / or orthopedic medicine ..
pre- or postoperative prophylactic use to prevent formation of ectopic proliferative heterotopic bone formation in collaboration with orthopedic surgery
on the skin
for benign and malignant skin disorders in conjunction with dermatology
and many more applications outside the routine oncololgic practice …
> As a consequence we should name us more appropriate
RADIATION MEDICINE
which opens the avenue to many other non-oncological indications
RADIATION ONCOLOGY.”