Oncology clinic

The oncology clinic is for people who have been diagnosed with cancer, those in whom cancer is suspected, and those with questions during and after treatment. The reasons for a consultation vary: an unclear test result, a palpable lymph node that does not go away, follow-up after completed treatment, questions about symptoms.

People often arrive with a folder of results and a feeling that nobody has fully explained them. A consultation can be for exactly that: putting the results into the bigger picture and getting answers to the questions you did not have time to ask during short appointments.

Our oncology clinic does not replace care at the institution where your treatment is being managed. Decisions about treatment are made by your treating oncologist or the multidisciplinary team, who have your complete records and follow you through treatment. A consultation with us is an addition to that.

The oncology clinic is not only for people with a disease already diagnosed. We also advise on lifestyle and other measures to prevent cancer. Part of the risk can be reduced by stopping smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation, exercising, keeping a healthy body weight and protecting yourself from the sun.

A consultation also makes sense when several relatives have had cancer or one of them had it at a younger age. The oncologist assesses whether your family history means a higher risk and explains which preventive examinations are recommended in your case. Taking part in the national screening programmes Svit, Zora and Dora remains important regardless of a consultation with us.

A second opinion is your right, not a sign of mistrust. Many people choose one when they receive a treatment proposal they do not understand well enough, or when they find it hard to choose between several proposed options. We form the opinion in line with the latest Slovenian and international findings and guidelines in the field.

For the consultation you need records that are as complete as possible: histology and cytology reports, imaging reports and, if possible, the images themselves, laboratory results and a summary of your treatment so far. Without this information the opinion is necessarily limited.

The oncologist reviews the records, goes through the course of the disease with you and explains how they understand the proposed plan. The outcome of the consultation is an explanation and an opinion, not a new diagnosis or a treatment prescribed outside the institution managing your care. If the two opinions differ, the next step is a conversation with your treating oncologist.

The examination begins with a conversation. The history of your symptoms, previous illnesses, the medicines you take and illnesses in your family all matter, as some of them change the recommendations for follow-up.

A clinical examination follows, and if needed the oncologist suggests further tests, such as blood tests, an ultrasound or referral for a biopsy. Results are generally not explained over the phone but at a follow-up appointment, where there is also time for questions.

Allow yourself time for the visit and bring someone with you if that makes it easier. In conversations like these a lot is heard and little is remembered, and a second person often catches what you miss. Write your questions down in advance.

Care at the oncology clinic is self-pay and you do not need a referral. You can book yourself, through the booking system of the provider that runs the clinic. Check the price of the service when you book.

When booking, say whether this is a first consultation or a second opinion and what records you have. Bring your records with you as originals or copies, and imaging studies on a medium that can be opened.

If your condition gets worse while you wait for your appointment, for example with sudden severe pain, fever, difficulty breathing or bleeding, do not wait for the appointment with us; contact your doctor or emergency medical services.