Radiation Oncology

PHYSICIAN STAFF:	Torrance Radiation Oncology Associates Thomas G. Simko, MD Daniel R. Hovenstine, MD Thyra J. Endicott, MD

ADDRESS:	Torrance Memorial Medical Center Department of Radiation Oncology 3330 Lomita Blvd. Torrance, CA 90505

LOCATION:	Basement of the West Wing, TMMC, on Medical Center Drive. Opposite the Health Conference Center/Parking Stucture

PHONE #s:	Outside Direct Line - (310)517-4750 TMMC extension - 2050 Fax Line - (310)784-4886

HOURS:	Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM The physicians may also be contacted through the hospital operator (310)325-9110 for emergencies. Treatment after hours may be arranged at the staff's discretion for appropriate medical situations.

We Want To Hear From You!

One of our physicians is always available to speak with referring physicians regarding patient care or treatment programs. In addition to documentation requested below, direct physician input can be helpful for new patient consultations and to optimize treatment planning.

New Patient Referrals - Needed Information:

Referrals should be made directly to Radiation Oncology
Insurance information and appropriate authorization numbers if applicable.
Diagnosis and reason for consultation
Supporting pathology and radiology reports
Copies of pertinent consult/follow-up notes with clinical findings
Information regarding other treatments i.e. op reports/chemotherapy

Special Procedures

PTERYGIUMS:

Beta irradiation has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of recurrence following excision of pterygiums. Our protocol is to deliver two applications of 1000cGy surface dose each to the operative bed, the first on the day of excision and the second one week later. Every effort will be made to provide post operative beta therapy in a timely manner following surgical resection. Please request scheduling of beta therapy when arranging for the patient's surgery.

BRACHYTHERAPY:

PERMANENT PROSTATE IMPLANT:
In selected patients with localized prostate cancer the placement of interstitial radioactive isotopes may be determined to be an available option for definitive treatment. The Radiation Oncologist performs the procedure with the assistance of the Urologist for needle positioning and cystoscopic evaluation. Following consultation arrangements for this outpatient procedure will be made by Radiation Oncology including computerized pre- treatment planning, ordering isotope seeds, scheduling procedure and admitting H & P.

GYNECOLOGIC IMPLANTS:
Placement of temporary intracavitary or interstitial implants may be part of an optimal treatment program for specific gynecologic malignancies. These procedures are performed by the Radiation Oncologist who may under certain circumstances request the assistance of the Gynecologist. Arrangements for implantations will be made by Radiation Oncology including admitting H&P, pre operative lab work, treatment planning and OR scheduling. Medical clearance may be necessary by the patient's Primary care physician. Patients typically remain hospitalized on the Radiation Oncology service for a few days during the duration of the implant.