Oncology is cancer research, making an oncologist a specialist who studies and provides medical care to cancer patients. There are three types of oncologists:
- Medical oncologist: This professional treats cancer using chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy strategies.
- Radiation oncologists: This professional specializes in radiation therapy, which involves using powerful X-rays to destroy cancer cells.
- Surgical oncologist: This one treats cancer through surgery. This involves tumor removal through biopsy.
- Geriatric oncologist: Provides cancer care to patients older than 65 years who need specialized care
- Gynecologic oncologists: Treat cancers of the genitalia, including the cervix, uterus, ovaries, vagina, and fallopian tube.
- Hematologist-oncologist: Treats blood cancer such as lymphoma, leukemia, and myeloma.
- Pediatric oncologist: Treats cancer in children and young adults.
- Urologic cancer: Treats urinary tract cancer such as kidney, bladder, prostate gland, etc.
What Is the Role of an Oncologist?
Throughout the duration of a patient’s illness, an oncologist is in charge of their care. The diagnosis is the first step. Other roles of an oncologist Orange County-based, or in any other county, include:
- Working with patients to explain a cancer diagnosis and stage, discuss treatment options, and assist in managing cancer-related side effects and symptoms.
- Organizing treatment regimens and prescribing different treatments, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
- Conduct surgical procedures to remove tumors and assess if cancer has spread from its initial location.
- Basic administrative and clerical activities include maintaining test results records, writing prescriptions, presenting cancer information to patients, and monitoring treatment programs.
Working With a Tumor Board
A person’s cancer diagnosis might be complicated at times. In this instance, the patient’s oncologist may request that the case be reviewed by a tumor board. A tumor board analyzes all cancer cases in several cancer institutions.
A tumor board is a group of experts from different medical fields of cancer therapy who collaborate to determine the optimal treatment approach. Medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgical oncologists may all be members of the tumor board. Other professionals may also serve on the board. Members of the tumor board can provide a variety of viewpoints that may assist you in receiving the best possible treatment.