What Is an Oncologist: Everything About Cancer Specialists
A doctor specializing in identifying and treating cancer patients is an oncologist. An oncologist will prepare a treatment plan based on comprehensive pathology reports that specify the sort of cancer you have, its stage of growth or expansion, and the parts of the body where it is situated. Although most cancers are managed with a combination of treatments, you may see a variety of oncologists during your treatment.
An Oncologist’s Role
The primary responsibility of an oncologist is to treat cancer completely. An oncologist begins with the diagnosis and then performs the following duties:
- Describing the cancer diagnosis to the patient, along with the stage.
- Informing about the available treatment choices
- Maintaining the patient’s comfort by providing high-quality care and compassion.
- Assisting the patient as much as possible to treat the signs and symptoms of their cancer.
Different Types Of Oncologists
Various oncologists at the cancer hospital are giving their specialized services for treating cancer according to the disease type, stage, and location. Radiation, surgery, and medicine comprise the three primary subfields of oncology. There are several sub-specialties as well.
Medical Oncologist
A medical oncologist is a specialist who uses chemotherapy and other drugs, such as targeted treatment or immunotherapy, to treat cancer. As the patient’s primary healthcare practitioner, they direct the creation of the patient’s treatment plan.
They collaborate with different medical departments to achieve the best results. A medical oncologist is also the accountable person who oversees the patients’ post-treatment follow-ups and examinations.
Surgical Oncologist
If your primary care doctor thinks you might have cancer, you might see a surgical oncologist right away. Biopsies are commonly carried out by surgical oncologists, who take a small sample of tissue to examine for cancer cells.
The surgical oncologist may remove the tumor and its surrounding tissue if cancerous cells are detected. The surgeon will assist with any surgical treatments you undergo as part of your cancer treatment in both your preparation and recovery.
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation oncologists are medical experts who use radiation to treat cancer. When it’s not possible to totally eliminate the cancer cells, doctors may employ radiation to shrink the tumor or delay its growth without damaging the nearby tissues.
Palliative therapy is what is used in this situation. The primary goal of the therapy is to enhance the patient’s quality of life by reducing tumor growth and the symptoms that go along with it. To treat cancer patients, radiation oncologists may use brachytherapy as well.
Gynecologic Oncologist
Gynecologic oncologists are medical professionals that specialize in treating cancers of the female reproductive system. It covers a variety of cancers, such as ovarian, cervical, and uterine. They have obstetrician-gynecology training and pursue extra oncology fellowship training.
Pediatric Oncologist
A pediatric oncologist is an expert in treating cancer in young patients. Some diseases, such as brain tumors, osteosarcoma, leukemia, and Ewing’s sarcoma, primarily affect children and young adults.
Hematologist-Oncologist
Hematologists are medical professionals who focus on treating blood cancers like lymphoma and leukemia. They may also treat blood conditions like sickle cell anemia and hemophilia, which are not cancers.
Neuro-Oncologist
The cure of spine, peripheral nerves, and brain cancers is the only focus of neuro-oncologists.
Why Might You Need To See An Oncologist?
Your body is affected by cancers in several ways. Generally speaking, if you discuss a change in your body with your primary care doctor and advise that you have some early testing, you might visit an oncologist. You will probably be referred to an oncologist if your tests indicate you have cancer.
What Should You Expect From The First Oncologist Visit?
As there is a possibility that you may have cancer, you are seeing an oncologist. You and your oncologist will talk about your circumstances during your initial appointment. Your medical history, including any other illnesses and previous operations, will be questioned. If another healthcare professional suggests you, they will look through their notes.
In Conclusion
It would be best if you considered the best cancer hospital in Gurgaon for the finest oncologists. If you’re concerned that you could have cancer, you can feel anxious about visiting an oncologist. And the doctor is aware of such emotions. Your oncologist is available to assist you in any way they can.