Medical oncologist . A doctor who specializes in the medical treatment of cancer. Medical oncologists have a thorough knowledge of how cancers behave and grow and how to use medication to treat them.
What do you call a doctor who specializes in cancer?
This type of surgeon can also perform certain types of biopsies to help diagnose cancer. There are also medical terms for oncologists who specialize in caring for specific groups of patients or groups of cancers. Here are definitions for some common terms.
What are the medical terms for oncologists?
There are also medical terms for oncologists who specialize in caring for specific groups of patients or groups of cancers. Here are definitions for some common terms. Geriatric oncologists work with people with cancer who are age 65 and older. Older adults can have additional challenges.
What is the study of cancer called?
Oncology is the study of cancer. An oncologist is a doctor who treats cancer and provides medical care for a person diagnosed with cancer. The field of oncology has three major areas: medical, surgical, and radiation. A medical oncologist treats cancer using chemotherapy or other medications,...
What kind of oncologist treats cancer in the elderly?
Geriatric oncologists specialize in providing the best care for older adults. Gynecologic oncologists treat cancers in such reproductive organs as the cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, vagina, and vulva.
What is an oncologist?
An oncologist is a healthcare provider who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer. Oncologists manage your cancer treatment throughout your illness. They’ll:
Are there different types of oncologists?
Cancer is a multifaceted illness, which is why there are several different types of oncologists. Some oncologists specialize in certain treatments. Other oncologists specialize in certain kinds of cancer. Here are some examples of the different types of oncologists:
What education do you need to become an oncologist?
All oncologists’ education begins with obtaining a bachelor’s degree and a medical degree. Oncologists who specialize in medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology or hematology oncology complete residencies and fellowship programs before obtaining certification.
What are the reasons I might need to see an oncologist?
Different cancers affect your body in different ways. Generally speaking, you might see an oncologist if you talk to your primary care physician about a change in your body and they recommend you have some preliminary tests. You likely will be referred to an oncologist if your tests indicate you have cancer.
Does seeing an oncologist mean I have cancer?
No, seeing an oncologist doesn’t mean you have cancer. You’re seeing an oncologist because you have symptoms that might be cancer. Your visit to an oncologist is an opportunity for you to talk to a specialist about your symptoms. Your oncologist might order tests to learn more about your symptoms.
What should I expect during my first visit to an oncologist?
You’re seeing an oncologist because there’s reason to believe you might have cancer. At your first appointment, you and your oncologist will discuss your situation. They’ll ask about your medical history, such as other medical conditions and prior surgeries.
Why is cancer sometimes called oncology?
Cancer is an ancient illness. Centuries ago, early Greek and Roman physicians studying cancerous tumors likened cancer to a crab, possibly because spreading tumors resembled legs spreading out from crab bodies.
What is a surgical oncologist?
Surgical oncologist. This is a surgeon who has special training in treating cancer. Your surgical oncologist may be called in to diagnose cancer with a biopsy. Surgical oncologists also treat cancer by removing tumors or other cancerous tissue. Depending on your case, you may also need to see other types of doctors for special cancer care.
What kind of doctor do you see for cancer?
It depends on your type of cancer and the stage of your cancer. However, here’s a rundown of the cancer specialists you might see: Medical oncologist. This is the cancer specialist you’ll probably see most often. Usually your oncologist will oversee your general care and coordinate treatments with other specialists.
What to look for in a cancer specialist?
Openness to your questions. This is one of the most important things to look for in a cancer specialist. You need to feel like your doctor is listening to you and answering your questions. Also, make sure your doctor will be available to you when you need to talk to them -- even after you leave the office.
What is the job of an oncologist?
Usually your oncologist will oversee your general care and coordinate treatments with other specialists. Your oncologist will also be in charge of chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. You’ll likely visit your medical oncologist for long-term, regular checkups. Radiation oncologist.
How many ways can you treat cancer?
Active surveillance is advised but there are three ways to treat cancer: with medicine (such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy), with radiation, and with surgery. Each treatment may be handled by a different specialist. Not ev,ery person will need all three types of treatments.
Do you need to see multiple cancer specialists?
Most cancers are complex to treat, so you may need to see several different cancer specialists during your treatment. Treatment often involves the combined care of several cancer specialists at once.
Is it bad to not be board certified in cancer?
That said, board certification is not available for every subtype of cancer treatment. So not being board certified is not necessarily a bad sign.
What degree do you need to be a doctor for cancer?
Most physicians who treat people with cancer are medical doctors (they have an M.D. degree) or osteopathic doctors (they have a D.O. degree).
What are some public resources to help pay for home care?
Some public resources to help pay for home care are: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): A government agency responsible for the administration of several key federal health care programs. Two of these are. Medicare: A government health insurance program for the elderly or disabled.
What is the UICC?
The UICC consists of international cancer-related organizations devoted to the worldwide fight against cancer. These organizations serve as resources for the public and may have helpful information about cancer and treatment facilities. To find a resource in or near your country, you may send the UICC an email.
How to contact AOA?
The AOA can also be reached at 1-800-621-1773. Local medical societies may also maintain lists of doctors in each specialty for you to check. Public and medical libraries may have print directories of doctors’ names listed geographically by specialty.
Why do you need to get a second opinion?
It’s best to involve your doctor in the process of getting a second opinion, because he or she will need to make your medical records (such as your test results and x-rays) available to the doctor giving the second opinion. You may wish to bring a family member along for support when asking for a second opinion.
What is the number to call for a second opinion?
You can also call NCI’s Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) for guidance.
What kind of doctor treats cancer?
Some specialists who treat cancer are: Medical Oncologist: specializes in treating cancer. Hematologist: focuses on diseases of the blood and related tissues, including the bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes. Radiation oncologist: uses x-rays and other forms of radiation to diagnose and treat disease.
What is the treatment for cancer called?
What is chemotherapy? Chemotherapy is an aggressive form of chemical drug therapy meant to destroy rapidly growing cells in the body. It’s usually used to treat cancer, as cancer cells grow and divide faster than other cells. A doctor who specializes in cancer treatment is known as an oncologist.
Why do you need chemotherapy for breast cancer?
If you’ve undergone surgery to remove a cancerous tumor, such as a lumpectomy for breast cancer, your oncologist may recommend chemotherapy to ensure that any lingering cancer cells are killed, as well. Chemotherapy is also used to prepare you for other treatments.
What is the purpose of chemo?
Chemotherapy is designed to kill cells that divide quickly. While cancer cells are the kind that divide quickly, other cells in your body do this, as well. Cells in the following areas can be adversely affected by chemotherapy: blood. hair.
What is chemo used for?
Besides treatment for cancer, chemotherapy may be used to prepare people with bone marrow diseases for a bone marrow stem cell treatment, and it may be used for immune system disorders.
How is chemo given?
Chemotherapy is typically given in pill form or directly into veins by injection or an IV. In addition to these two forms, chemotherapy may also be administered in several other ways.
How to prepare for chemo?
Consider these preparation tips for chemotherapy treatment: Make arrangements for work. Most people can work during chemotherapy, but you may want to be put on a lighter workload until you know what types of side effects you may be experiencing. Prepare your house.
What to do after a first appointment?
Do laundry, stock up on groceries, and do other tasks you may be too weak to do after your first appointment. Arrange for any help you might need. Getting a friend or family member to help with household chores or caring for pets or children can be extremely beneficial . Anticipate side effects.
What is the difference between a dermatologist and a medical oncologist?
Dermatological oncologist This is an oncologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating skin cancer. Medical oncologist A physician who treats cancer with medication, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy. Radiation oncologist These doctors treat cancer with radiation therapy. Surgical oncologist An oncologist who removes skin ...
What is a Mohs surgeon?
A Mohs surgeon is a dermatologist who is trained to perform a special type of procedure called Mohs surgery. This technique involves removing thin pieces of skin and examining each of them under a microscope before another layer is removed until a layer of skin is reached in which there are no cancerous cells in evidence.
What is the role of a dermatologist?
Dermatologist. A dermatologist is a doctor who’s trained to diagnose and treat conditions that involve the skin, hair, and nails. This type of physician plays an important role in diagnosing skin cancer. Dermatologists perform full-body exams to spot unusual lesions on your body, and skin biopsy procedures to test for cancer.
What is the procedure for a dermatologist to check for cancer?
Dermatologists perform full-body exams to spot unusual lesions on your body, and skin biopsy procedures to test for cancer. If the results come back positive, your dermatologist will devise a treatment plan for you. Many low-grade skin cancers can be treated right in your dermatologist’s office. If the cancer is more advanced or requires ...
What doctor treats skin cancer?
Your primary care physician provides preventive care. Some are trained to recognize skin cancer. Often, your primary care doctor will refer you to a dermatologist if skin cancer is suspected.
What is the best doctor for skin cancer?
Oncologist . A medical oncologist is a doctor who treats cancer. You may need to see an oncologist if you have an advanced or high-risk type of skin cancer. There are different subtypes of oncologists, including: Dermatological oncologist This is an oncologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating skin cancer.
What is the role of a pathologist in biopsies?
Pathologist. This expert works behind the scenes examining samples of tissue or body fluids. When a dermatologist biopsies a lesion, the tissue sample is sent to a lab where a pathologist looks at it and writes a report to either confirm or rule out cancer, and, if it is cancerous, determine its type and stage.