Learn About Oncologists: Conditions They Treat and When to see one?
What is an Oncologist?
An oncologist is a medical professional who has the education and training necessary to diagnose and treat various type of cancers. Oncologists practice in hospitals and medical centers, university hospitals, and research organizations. In addition to diagnosing and treating tumors and cancer, they conduct research to learn more about cancer and how it acts in the body to help develop new treatment options.
How does a doctor become an Oncologist?
To become an oncologist, a person must complete an accredited undergraduate program and then attend medical school for at least four years. After completing medical school, they must complete specialty training in oncology and attend a residency program. During the residency, the doctor will gain experience in oncology while learning from an experienced oncologist. To become a certified oncologist, the doctor must pass an exam given by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
What types of illnesses do Oncologists treat?
Oncologists treat all types of cancers. They can diagnose the type and location of cancer and come up with the best way to treat it. Some of the most common types of cancer treated by oncologists include:
- Leukemia
- Sarcomas
- Lymphomas
- Brain cancer
- Breast cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Brain tumors
- Carcinomas
- Cervical cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Eye cancer
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Lip and oral cavity cancer
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Mouth cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Uterine cancer
What are the diagnostic tests and procedures ordered by an Oncologist?
Before oncologists can treat cancer, they must know what kind of cancer they are dealing with and where to find it. There are numerous diagnostic tests that can be used to help an oncologist produce the proper diagnosis. Some of the most common include:
- MRI
- Biopsy
- Bone scan
- Colonoscopy
- Bone marrow aspiration
- CT scan
- EKG
- Fecal occult blood test
- Endoscopy
- Mammography
- Pap smear
- MUGA scan
- Tumor market test
- Ultrasound
What are the different types of Oncologists?
All oncologists treat cancer, but some oncologists specialize in treating a certain type of cancer. Some of the different types of oncologists include:
- Gynecological oncology
- Medical oncology and hematology
- Pediatric oncology and hematology
- Radiation oncology
- Surgical oncology
How do Oncologists treat cancer?
Oncologists treat a variety of cancers and they use several different methods to treat them. Certain cancers respond better to certain methods, as do certain patients. Oncologists work closely with their patients to find a treatment option that works best for them and offers the best prognosis. The treatments include:
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery
- Biologic therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Nutritional therapy
- Medication
- Clinical trials
When to see an Oncologist?
Knowing when to see an oncologist can be difficult. The sooner you begin treatment, the better the chances of beating cancer. You should see an oncologist for the following reasons:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Lumps in the breast tissue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Lumps under the arms
- Severe headaches
- Sores in the mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Extreme lethargy
- Painful spot or nodule on the body
- Cancer diagnosis from another doctor
Resources:
American Society of Clinical Oncology.
