Oncologists provide treatment and care for those who have cancer. They coordinate and manage everyone who is in need. For now, cancer has one of the leading roles in deaths all over the world, especially in the US. It is also good to know, that there are more and more people who battle the disease each year. It is good to know, that treatment, management, and detection gets better with every day.
Oncologists provide treatment and care for those who have cancer. They coordinate and manage everyone who is in need.
For now, cancer has one of the leading roles in deaths all over the world, especially in the US. It is also good to know, that there are more and more people who battle the disease each year. It is good to know, that treatment, management, and detection gets better with every day.
There is a team of specialists that stand behind the patient with cancer:
- Nurses
- Dietitians
- Pathologists
- Oncologists
And there is more to know about each type of specialist.
Types of Oncologists
There are three main oncology areas: medical, surgical, and radiational. Each doctor specializes in one of these major areas.
Medical oncology treats and manages disease without surgeries. It includes chemotherapy, biologic, hormone, targeted therapies.
This is the most popular area of oncology treatment and most patients start with this step. Specialists also support people and consult them after they finish their treatment.
Surgical oncology also diagnoses, treat, and manage cancer. These specialists determine and confirm the stage of cancer. To do so, they have to perform the biopsy and other laboratory work to take a closer look at a damaged tissue.
Radiation oncology specializes in performing internal and external radiation therapy to people diagnosed with cancer.
External radiation treatment helps to kill cancer cells and it shrinks tumors with the help of the high energy photon beams. Internal radiation treatment involves a systematic treatment with the help of radioactive iodine that has to be swallowed, injected, or implanted.
Radiation treatment can be combined with other types of treatment to achieve the result. For example, it is better to shrink the tumor with radiation before removing it surgically.
Also, there are other types of oncologists specialties like gastrointestinal, geriatric, gynecologic, hematology, musculoskeletal, neurological, pediatric oncologies.
How to Get Ready for Your First Oncology Appointment
In most cases the first time the patient meets with a surgical oncologist, medical oncologist, or a radiation oncologist. The specialist will help to understand the condition better and will support the patient. The doctor will provide with necessary information on further steps and discuss the possible treatment options.
Make sure you talk about your medical history on the first appointment. Write in your diary about your symptoms, pains, and any other inconveniences that happen due to the illness with the timeline of events.
You should also bring all the necessary documents, scans, x-rays, MRI, CT, and other tests that you have, including biopsy. Also, write down all the medications, herbs, supplements, vitamins, pain killers, etc. that you take. Discuss your diet and describe it as precisely as you can.
What Kinds of Tests Do Oncologists Do
Oncologists start with physical examination in order to find any abnormalities and issues that cause cancer. Then they perform blood and urine tests or do any tests that are missing in your disease history but should be done. There might several biopsies that take place as well.
You also get a prognosis when tests are conducted and decoded. You can be sure to get a candid talk with your doctor since all physicians are honest and hopeful.
How Do You Find a Good Oncologist?
To start with you should ask your primary care doctor to suggest an expert. It is not easy to find the best oncologists but sure possible. There might be also cancer-related meetings in your community so you can search for advice there.
Check out several doctors before choosing the one you want to stick to!
Also, check the possibility to find an oncologist abroad. There are plenty of great specialists that work with great technology and have higher rates of successful stories. CloudHospital suggests to not limit yourself and look for world-known specialists. You can always check out our services if you need help.