What is an Oncologist?
An oncologist is a medical professional who focuses on identifying and treating cancer patients. They create a treatment plan for you if you have cancer based on the specifics of your pathology report, which includes information on the type of cancer you have, its stage, how quickly it is likely to spread, and the organs affected.
An oncologist is required to deliver quality and compassionate care. The doctors help patients manage the symptoms of cancer and the side effects of cancer treatment. Most cancers are treated using a combination of therapies. You may consult with a variety of oncologists throughout your treatment because most cancers are treated with a combination of medicines.
Medical Oncologists
Chemotherapy, hormonal therapies, biological therapies, and other targeted treatments are used by medical oncologists to treat cancer. The medical oncologist is usually regarded as the patient's primary cancer doctor.
They assist in monitoring and preserving health as well as helping patients manage adverse effects. After receiving treatment, patients frequently follow up with their medical oncologists.
Radiation Oncologists
High-energy photon beams are used by radiation oncologists to target and eliminate cancer cells. Radiation therapy is a common component of cancer treatment for about half of all cancer patients.
Others respond better to intense radiation beams that are so precisely focused that they are referred to as "radiosurgery." Some malignancies respond best to small "seeds" of radioactive material implanted in the affected area.
Surgical Oncologists
If your primary care physician suspects you have cancer, one of the first doctors you visit might be a surgical oncologist. Biopsies are frequently carried out by surgical oncologists, who take a small sample of tissue to examine for cancer cells.
If there are cancer cells, you might visit the surgical oncologist once more so that the tumor and surrounding tissues can be removed. The surgeon will assist you in getting ready for and recovering from any surgeries you might have had while receiving cancer therapy.
Pediatric Oncologists
Pediatric oncologists diagnose and care for kids with cancer. Each year, 175,000 children under the age of 15 receive cancer diagnoses globally. Approximately 80% of children in the US who are diagnosed with cancer and get treatment will survive.
Some pediatric oncologists concentrate on performing research on childhood cancers, while others specialize in treating particular cancer types. The majority of pediatric oncologists devote a significant portion of their time to educating families whose children are receiving cancer therapy.
Gynecologic Oncologists
Gynecologic oncologists handle complicated gynecological conditions that are not malignant, such as endometriosis and fibroid tumors, but they also specialize in treating cancers that affect women, such as ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.
Gynecological oncologists undergo extensive training that focuses on cancers that specifically affect women over a number of years, similar to other cancer experts.
Hematologist-oncologists
Hematologists are medical professionals who focus on treating blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. They may also treat other blood conditions like sickle-cell anemia and hemophilia.
Centers & Institutes
Healthcare Delivery by Oncologists in the US
Globally and in the United States, cancer has a significant impact on society. Every year, various types of cancer claim the lives of countless people. Cancer is one of the top causes of death in the United States. The good news is that survival rates are still rising.
This is linked to improvements in cancer management, treatment, and detection. A group of medical professionals typically collaborates with cancer patients. Oncologists, nurses, pathologists, and dietitians are usually encountered on medical teams. Each team member contributes worthwhile services that are essential to the patient's health.
When a patient's primary care physician detects cancer, he or she will frequently refer the patient to an oncologist. A primary care physician may use a variety of diagnostic processes and tests to diagnose a patient. Blood tests, MRIs, and CT scans can all be performed to confirm the diagnosis. The primary care physician might advise the patient to see an oncologist if the tests show indicators of malignancy.
Are you looking for an Oncologist who will care for you? Our medical professionals at KellySearch create personalized strategies for each patient and/or their family. We have over 700k doctor listings on the website because our doctors want to give each client their undivided attention. They are also trustworthy and compassionate. Additionally, they are always available for conversation with anyone!
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The material presented above is only meant to be informative and is not intended to take the place of advice from your doctor or another health care practitioner. We advise you to talk to your provider about any questions or issues you may have.
