Oncology is the study of cancer, and an oncologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating people with the disease. Finding the right cancer doctor can take time, so it's important to find a doctor you're comfortable with and who works with you during diagnosis and treatment. Your family doctor or primary care physician can refer you to an oncologist if they want the opinion of an expert in a specific field or cannot determine a cancer diagnosis. Gynecologic oncologists treat cancers in reproductive organs such as the cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, vagina, and vulva. Hematologic oncologists also treat patients with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and thalassemia, as well as blood cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia.
The oncologist's team, including a pathologist, studies the sample to see if it contains cancer cells. This usually starts when the oncologist examines blood, urine, and other body fluids for high or low levels of certain substances that could be signs of cancer or blood disorders. A surgical oncologist may be one of the first doctors you go to if your primary care doctor suspects you have cancer. For example, if you have prostate cancer and a urologist has recommended surgery, you may want to see a radiation oncologist for information about nonsurgical treatment. Becoming a radiation oncologist is a five-year process that includes an internship in internal medicine, followed by a residency in radiation oncology.Medical oncologists help their patients manage side effects and help manage and maintain well-being.
Requesting an evaluation from another oncologist is common practice, especially that of an expert in a specific cancer or body part. The oncologist will also review any scans and tests you have already had and, if necessary, perform additional tests.
Medical oncologists
treat cancer with chemotherapy, hormone therapies, biological therapies, and other targeted treatments. For example, you may be able to locate an oncologist who specializes in treating breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, or other types of cancer. During this initial visit, the oncologist will perform a complete physical exam and take the time to learn more about your medical and family history. So can an oncologist get cancer? The answer is yes.Just like any other person in the world, an oncologist can get cancer. However, due to their expertise in the field of cancer diagnosis and treatment, they are more likely to catch it early and receive prompt treatment. Oncologists are also more likely to be aware of the latest treatments available for their particular type of cancer. It's important for anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer to find an experienced oncologist who can provide them with the best possible care. An experienced oncologist will be able to provide personalized care based on their patient's individual needs.
They will also be able to provide support throughout the entire process from diagnosis to treatment. At the end of the day, it's important for everyone to remember that no one is immune from getting cancer. An oncologist may have more knowledge about the disease than most people but they are still at risk of getting it just like anyone else.
