Dr. Matthew Solhjem
Radiation Oncology
Portland, OR
23 years experience male
Locations
Office
Clackamas, OR
Insurances accepted
Aetna
Blue cross blue shield
Cigna
Medicaid
United healthcare
BlueCross BlueShield
Medicare
No Value
Providence Health Plans
Office
Portland, OR
Providence Cancer Center
Portland, OR
About
Bio
I attended the University of Minnesota Medical School and then The Mayo Clinic for radiation oncology residency. After that, I moved to Portland, Oregon and work for The Oregon Clinic, a private multispecialty practice. I have 8 wonderful, dedicated and top-notch partners and we take care of patients at three facilities (Providence Portland Medical Center, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, and Clackamas Radiation Oncology Center).
My primary focus is GI cancer (esophageal, stomach, hepatobiliary, pancreas, colorectal, anal), but I also dedicate myself to many other cancer types and technologies within radiation oncology (stereotactic body radiation therapy, gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery for malignant and benign brain tumors/conditions).
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Radiation Oncology
Doctor Q&A
254 Answers
157 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Not really: The ultrasound technologist/obstetrician should be able to tell gender no matter what position the baby is in.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 53-year-old male asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Blood.: Coughing up blood can sometimes occur with lung infection. You need to see your physician to have this evaluated with chest ct scan.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Yes: The labia minora are often asymmetric (one being larger or longer than the other). This is completely normal. There is much variability in the appea... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
No.: No, but a rectal/vaginal exam should be part of a gyn exam. This helps the physician evaluate the wall between the rectum and vagina.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old male asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Sometimes.: An ultrasound can sometimes detect cancer in the uterus (or a tumor or mass). But, typically a biopsy (usually and dilation and curettage, a d;c) is ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old male asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Not sure.: It is hard to know without examining you and talking with you. If these symptoms continue, would consider an mri.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 62-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Not yet.: Researchers are trying to find/develop a screening test for ovarian cancer that can catch it early. But, nothing is available yet.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old male asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Probably not cancer.: If your lymph nodes are not enlarging over time, they are probably not cancer.
If concerned, have them evaluated by your primary physician or ear/n... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Possibly: If enlarged lymph nodes (containing lymphoma) are in the pelvis or groin area, this could cause groin/leg pain.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Not really.: There is no general blood test for cancer, although there are tumor markers such as psa, cea, etc that can be elevated in certain types of cancers. A... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old male asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Not exactly sure.: Stage IV liver cancer is, unfortunately, incurable. However, sometimes treatments can prolong a patient's life significantly. It is hard to answer y... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old male asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Passing out..: Standing with legs locked for prolonged periods of time doesn't force the blood back to your chest and brain normally. It 'pools' in the leg venous s... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Yes.: In certain brain tumors, genetic mutations have been discovered. Some of these are 'passed down' from parent to child. Others are new and spontaneou... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 16-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Don't worry.: Hpv is very common. Most people are carriers of hpv. Some subtypes can cause dysplasia or cancer of the cervix. But, not all. Go ahead and get you... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
HPV: Certain subtypes of the hpv (human papilloma virus) virus can cause dysplasia or cancer of the cervix in women and mouth/tongue/throat cancers in men ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
It could.: A large hemorrhoid could change the shape of the stool as it passes through the lower portion of the rectum and anal canal.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Yes: It is recommended to take vitamins during pregnancy for the baby's health (and yours) and to prevent certain birth defects.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 49-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Yes.: The pubic ramus is part of the pelvic bone, the front part that meets up with the pubic bone (the one that can be felt in the pelvis, lower front abdo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Meningiomas.: Meningiomas need to be followed to make sure they are stable and not growing. The vast majority are benign. Mri is the best way to follow them. The... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Yes.: You can still have an orgasm without intercourse.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Possibly: If you have a tumor in the throat/mouth, it could create an awful taste or odor. If this is a new symptom, best to have it checked out.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Options..: It really depends upon where the pain is coming from, the liver itself or somewhere else. Your oncologist will be able to tell you this. There are m... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Unlikely cancer.: It unlikely to be testicular cancer. However, any testicular lump should be evaluated first by your primary care physician. He or she might refer yo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Ventilation: Radiation in the home is caused by radon which is a gas that seeps into the basement most commonly. This gas needs to be vented outside. Contact you... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Probably not.: Lumps on the knee are most likely something benign and not cancer. However, see your doctor for evaluation just to be sure.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Not to worry.: Keep an eye on it. Most likely it will go away within a few weeks. It is common to develop small skin or connective tissue irregularities. It doesn... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Yes: A chest ct is a very good test for finding lung cancer because it looks inside the lungs. The shoulder/clavicle pain could be coming from the spine i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
No.: Typically, ascites can be checked by inserting a needle through the abdominal wall under ultrasound guidance. This is usually done in the radiology d... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old male asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
No.: It would be very unlikely to be lung cancer given young age (35) and never-smoker. A chest ct is a better test at looking inside the lungs, but this ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
You can be cured!: Stage i pancreas cancer can be cured! but, surgery is a must! if you don't have surgery, it will become life-threatening within months to a few year... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Not recommended.: It is not recommended for pregnant women to use a sauna, steam room, or hot tub/jacuzzi. Would recommend waiting until after delivery.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
No.: The maximum prescription dose is a total of 2400 mg per day, usually divided in 400-600 mg doses.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
This is probably...: A yeast infection. Typical symptoms are white 'cottage cheese' appearance to vaginal discharge. It is nothing to be scared about. Please see your p... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Probably not.: It would be unusual for a 25 year-old to develop skin cancer. Best to probably have a dermatologist look at it though to be on the safe side.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
More information: It is difficult to answer this without knowing exactly what type of lymphoma it is. Please ask again, if you know. Also, your oncologist should be a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Not bad.: This sounds excellent. Might have health benefits. No negative effects.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Many.: Weight loss can be a symptom of many different kinds of cancers. But, usually (not always) weight loss occurs when cancer has spread.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 51-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Neurosurgeon: I would start with a neurosurgeon. An interventional neuroradiologist might be involved as well.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 52-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Varies: Usually, drugs such as aromatase inhibitors are first studied in medical school and then residency. In practice, phsycians study new drugs through co... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Yes.: Radiation therapy has been shown to improve survival in combination with chemotherapy after surgery for stomach cancer. Your local board-certified ra... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Not necessarily.: Throat cancer usually is curable with radiation therapy (and sometimes chemo at the same time, occasionally surgery). It is important to be treated a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Probably not.: More common causes of blood in stool include hemorrhoids. It would be exceedingly rare for a 19 year old to have colon cancer. If the bleeding does ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Possibly.: If your mother had ovarian cancer and you have a growing ovarian mass, this needs to be evaluated by a gynecologist or gynecologic oncologist. Surger... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Trainer?: I would ask a certified trainer and possibly dietician. Bulk does come with 'extreme muscle stress', meaning lots of weight, fewer reps. Diet plays ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old male asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Try: Tap water (room-temperature or cool temperature), mild pain medicine (acetaminophen). If blisters develop, see physician.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old male asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Yes.: I would recommend always wearing a condom and disclosing that you have HIV to any sexual partner.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
See your doctor.: It is really hard to know what it is without a physical exam. I would recommend seeing your physician for evaluation. A yeast infection does not usu... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
No.: Most blood blisters are not cancerous.
Sores or blisters in the mouth usually go away on their own. If they persist for more than 3-4 weeks, then ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Hemorrhoid?: One possibility is that you are constipated and have internal or external hemorrhoids. When hard stool passes by a hemorrhoid, it can cause it to ble... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. Matthew Solhjemanswered
Radiation Oncology 23 years experience
Not necessary.: If the lymph node is that small, not to worry. It will likely go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. You only need to see a doctor if it do... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
7
Recommendations
302
Thank you notes
Nov 20, 2013
Thank you Dr. Solhjem for the excellent, spot on and reliable answers. It is great to have you here at the healthtap.com.
Nov 20, 2013
A fantastic physician. Thank you
Dec 27, 2013
Excellent and clear answers.
HealthTap member
This saved my life. Thank You! Thank you! That really helped. Wasn't sure if I sure go to the doctor today or wait and see what happens. :)
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! This has been going on 4 over a yr. the tongue is off and on. Thank u!
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Thank you. I've been waiting 2 weeks for an answer from my Family Dr.
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
University of Minnesota Medical School, MN
Graduated 2000MD
Medical/Graduate school
University of Minnesota
Graduated 1996MD
Medical/Graduate school
University of Minnesota Medical School
Graduated 2000MD
Residency
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
Residency
Meritcare Medical Center, Fargo, ND
Awards
RSNA/Roentgen Resident Research Award, Radiological Society of North America
Chief Resident, Mayo Clinic
Moreton Fellowship Award for Radiation Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic
Affiliations
Providence milwaukie hospital
Providence portland medical center
Providence st vincent medical center
Publications
Prostate Volume in Patients Undergoing Primary Surgical or Radiotherapeutic Management of Localized Adenocarcinoma: Implications for Design of Minimal...
Salvage SBRT for Previously Irradiated Lung Cancer
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy for head and neck cancer in the community setting.
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