I was treated at MD Anderson by a multidisciplinary team. Although it became obvious early on that my main treatment would be radiation ( with a dose of chemo added ) and, as it happens, I never needed surgery, my surgeon has always been my primary doctor. I am not exactly sure how that came about, but it has always been that way and I also depend on him to fill out reports to disability insurance carriers, etc.

Although I believe that the multidisciplinary approach is the best way to treat oral cancer, it was at times frustrating when I had problems with swallowing or some other matter and was not sure which doctor to call. These guys are all specialized and , as everyone knows, some of them leave a lot to be desired when it comes to treating the whole person, not to mention short on people skills. It would be nice to feel that you were really under the special care of one particular doctor.

I recommend addressing this problem right up front and asking each of them just who should be the one in charge as treatment progresses and questions and problems arise.

Good luck,
Danny G.