Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with cancer. An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer in adults using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy. They are the primary healthcare provider for people who have been diagnosed with cancer. Oncologists are highly trained to research, diagnose, and treat cancer in various parts of the body.
Depending on the type of cancer, how much it has developed, and how quickly it is likely to spread, they will create a treatment plan based on pathology reports. Oncology is divided into several subspecialties, such as medical, surgical, radiation, pediatric, and gynecological oncology. Each of these subspecialties focuses on different types of cancer and treatments. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, an oncologist can help you understand your diagnosis and create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.
Read on to learn more about what oncologists do.
What Does an Oncologist Do?
An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer. They are highly trained to research, diagnose, and treat cancer in various parts of the body. Depending on the type of cancer, how much it has developed, and how quickly it is likely to spread, they will create a treatment plan based on pathology reports. Oncologists are also responsible for providing emotional support to their patients. They will help them understand their diagnosis and provide them with information about their treatment options.They will also provide guidance and support throughout the entire process.
Types of Oncologists
Oncology is divided into several subspecialties, such as medical, surgical, radiation, pediatric, and gynecological oncology. Each of these subspecialties focuses on different types of cancer and treatments.- Medical Oncologists: Medical oncologists specialize in treating cancer with chemotherapy drugs or other medications. They may also provide supportive care such as pain management or nutrition counseling.
- Surgical Oncologists: Surgical oncologists specialize in performing surgery to remove tumors or other abnormal tissue from the body.
- Radiation Oncologists: Radiation oncologists specialize in using radiation therapy to treat cancer.
- Pediatric Oncologists: Pediatric oncologists specialize in treating children with cancer.
- Gynecological Oncologists: Gynecological oncologists specialize in treating cancers of the female reproductive system.
How Can an Oncologist Help?
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, an oncologist can help you understand your diagnosis and create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. They will provide you with information about your treatment options and guide you through the entire process. Oncologists are also responsible for providing emotional support to their patients.They will also provide guidance and support throughout the entire process.
