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03/16/2015 15:22
Infoseeker 
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03/16/2015 15:22
Infoseeker
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Newbie - Radiotherapy question
Can a competent primary care physician diagnosis DC? I am sure i have it based on pictures and symptoms described on the internet. I have no contracture yet, just 5 nodules. It appears that radiotherapy is the least invasive, "easiest" therapy and I live in Richmond, VA where there is a Dr Weiss at MCV/VCU who does radiotherapy for DC. My question is: is there a down side to radiotherapy? Any bad side effects? Is the worst thing that would happen (aside from exposure to radiation) be that it doesn't work?
Do i have to go to a hand surgeon for a diagnosis or can a primary care dr do it? I'm assuming I'll need a referral to see the radiation oncologist. I don't think an "I googled it on the internet" will suffice to get me an appointment.
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03/16/2015 16:40
spanishbuddha  Administrator
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03/16/2015 16:40
spanishbuddha Administrator
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Re: Newbie - Radiotherapy question
Infoseeker:
Can a competent primary care physician diagnosis DC? I am sure i have it based on pictures and symptoms described on the internet. I have no contracture yet, just 5 nodules. It appears that radiotherapy is the least invasive, "easiest" therapy and I live in Richmond, VA where there is a Dr Weiss at MCV/VCU who does radiotherapy for DC. My question is: is there a down side to radiotherapy? Any bad side effects? Is the worst thing that would happen (aside from exposure to radiation) be that it doesn't work?
Do i have to go to a hand surgeon for a diagnosis or can a primary care dr do it? I'm assuming I'll need a referral to see the radiation oncologist. I don't think an "I googled it on the internet" will suffice to get me an appointment.
Hi Infoseeker
There can be different reasons for lumps in the hand, although possibly DD is the most likely. Based on the comments from many of your US colleagues on the FB DC site, the exposure to DD by many U.S. physicians seems to be a bit hit and miss, and some have not even heard of DD. I would seek the advice or diagnosis from a hand specialist, perhaps getting your GP to give you the referral.
RT is the only proven treatment for early stages, but the timing needs to right, and it may not be needed anyway. Keep a log of symptoms with photos so you have objective evidence of progression, rate, or not. Again most of your US colleagues seem to be self referring themselves to a radiology center or oncology unit. The side effects of RT are mostly short term, perhaps soreness, red skin, heat, slight tan, but longer term dry skin. There's some clinics listed on our site in NC and VA so maybe just give them a call?
Best wishes
SB
Edited 03/16/15 18:50
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03/16/2015 18:03
wach Administrator
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03/16/2015 18:03
wach Administrator
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Re: Newbie - Radiotherapy question
Infoseeker:
Can a competent primary care physician diagnosis DC? ...
Do i have to go to a hand surgeon for a diagnosis or can a primary care dr do it? I'm assuming I'll need a referral to see the radiation oncologist. I don't think an "I googled it on the internet" will suffice to get me an appointment.
A primary care physician ought to be able to diagnose Dupuytren's. If he can't he should refer you to a specialist. Anyway, better than diagnosing it yourself!
Wolfgang
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