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 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.
Do you need all three types of cancer specialists?
Not every person will need all three types of treatments. 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.
What are cancer physicians called?
The most common types of cancer doctors include: Medical oncologists. Hematologist-oncologists. Surgical oncologists.
Who specializes in treating patients with cancer?
For most cancers, treatment is led by one or more primary physicians, including a medical oncologist, surgical oncologist, and radiation oncologist. For some cancers, you may also see an interventional radiologist. Each of these experts brings a clear set of skills and techniques for treating cancer.
Does an endocrinologist treat cancer?
It's important to note that while endocrinologists are usually the first one to discover this kind of cancer in patients, they are not the ones to treat it. Once a patient is discovered to have pancreatic cancer, the patient is sent to an oncologist.
Are hematologist and oncologist the same?
The term “hematologist oncologist” comes from two different types of doctors. Hematologists specialize in diagnosing and treating blood diseases. Oncologists specialize in diagnosing and treating cancers. A hematologist oncologist specializes in both.
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 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 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.
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.
Who do you see for reconstructive surgery?
Sometimes, surgery might be done by a general surgeon instead of a surgical oncologist. Or you might need to see a plastic surgeon if you need reconstructive surgery after treatment. You might also wish to see a psychiatrist or a psycho-oncologist, a psychiatrist who specializes in the psychological challenges of coping with cancer.
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 type of surgeon is needed for lung cancer?
Depending on the location and stage of your lung cancer, surgery may be a good treatment option. Your oncologist will recommend a thoracic surgeon if he or she believes you could be a good candidate for surgery. The types of surgery include: Wedge resection: This surgery removes a wedge-shaped piece of your lung.
What is the job of an oncologist?
An oncologist will help you set up a treatment plan after a cancer diagnosis. There are three different specialties in oncology: Radiation oncologists use therapeutic radiation to treat cancer. Medical oncologists specialize in using drugs, such as chemotherapy, to treat cancer.
What is the best way to treat cancer?
An oncologist will help you set up a treatment plan after a cancer diagnosis. There are three different specialties in oncology: 1 Radiation oncologists use therapeutic radiation to treat cancer. 2 Medical oncologists specialize in using drugs, such as chemotherapy, to treat cancer. 3 Surgical oncologists handle the surgical portions of cancer treatment, such as removal of tumors and affected tissue.
What is the name of the doctor who treats pulmonary disease?
Pulmonologist. A pulmonologist is a doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the lungs, such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and tuberculosis. With cancer, a pulmonologist aids in diagnosis and treatment. They’re also known as pulmonary specialists.
What is the specialty of a thoracic surgeon?
Thoracic surgeon. These doctors specialize in surgery of the chest (thorax). They perform operations on the throat, lungs, and heart. These surgeons are often grouped with cardiac surgeons.
When was lung cancer last reviewed?
New and effective treatments are constantly being researched, and your doctors can help guide you towards the best treatment for you. Last medically reviewed on March 11, 2021.
What type of surgery removes a wedge-shaped piece of lung?
The types of surgery include: Wedge resection: This surgery removes a wedge-shaped piece of your lung. The wedge should include both cancerous and some healthy tissue. Segmentectomy: This surgery removes one segment of a lung. Lobectomy: A lobectomy removes the cancerous lobe of your lung.
What is the name of the doctor who treats cancer?
They check your progress often, review your lab and X-ray results, and coordinate your medical care before and after your treatment. Surgical oncologist. A doctor who specializes in the surgical treatment of cancer. Surgical oncologists do biopsies and other procedures such as removing a lump or a breast.
What is a breast cancer specialist?
Breast Cancer Specialists. 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 is the role of a medical oncologist in breast cancer?
The medical oncologist manages your overall medical care for cancer and monitors your health during your treatment.
What are the health care professionals involved in breast cancer?
Other health care professionals that may be involved in your breast cancer treatment include: Oncology nurses who have special skills and pass a certifying test. Radiation technologist who helps put you in the correct treatment position and delivers the proper radiation dose to the site.
What is a breast surgeon?
Breast surgeon. A doctor who specializes in the surgical removal of breast tumors and lymph nodes while saving as much of the breast as possible.
What is a doctor who checks tissue samples under a microscope?
A doctor who checks tissue samples under a microscope. They decide whether cancer is present, its size, whether the surgery removed all the cancer, and how many lymph nodes have cancer, if any. Radiation oncologist. A doctor trained in treating cancer with radiation.
What kind of doctor does a biopsies?
These doctors may also do biopsies to diagnose or treat cancer. Plastic surgeon. A surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction. Radiologist. A doctor trained in reading X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and other forms of imaging that look into the body. Pathologist.
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 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 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.