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KEY STEPS
1. Rapid and definitive diagnosis
e sooner ATC can be caught and treated, the better your
chances are for long-term survival.
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2. Coordinate early care with a multidisciplinary healthcare
team
is should include endocrinologists, surgeons, radiation
oncologists, medical oncologists and providers specializing
in supportive care.
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3. Identify the extent of the disease, including size of
tumor(s), location(s) and any genetic mutations
is is important, because it will help determine the best
course of action for treating your ATC.
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4. Start counseling to establish goals of care
Counseling and setting realistic goals is an important step in
your path to finding the best managment option. Counseling
works best when it also includes your family, friends and any
other loved ones. is will include a listing of risks and benefits
for each decision that needs to be made during your care.
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5. Evaluate options for surgery
If you are a candidate for surgery, your healthcare team may
be able to remove the tumor(s). is is your best chance for
long-term survival.
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6. Decisive decision making on all available treatment option(s)
Because ATC is so aggressive, many patients will require
radiation, chemotherapy and/or targeted therapy. ese
therapies may also come with side effects, so you and your
healthcare team will discuss which option(s) are best for
your unique situation.
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7. Keep an open dialogue about end of life preparations
While ATC is curable, it is an extremely aggressive disease,
and it can spread quickly. You shouldn't postpone end of life
discussions with friends, family and loved ones. You should
decide who should make medical decisions on your behalf if
you are too ill to do so.
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