What Is an Oncologist? Understanding Their Role & How to Choose the Right One for Cancer Care

Oncologists are doctors who specialise in diagnosing, treating, and managing individuals with cancer, personalising care to each patient's needs. They use various methods to diagnose cancer, such as physical examination, biopsies and imaging tests, and create comprehensive plans for treatment, which may include chemo, surgery, or radiotherapy. More than just treating the disease, oncologists support patients throughout their treatment journey, making them essential in comprehensive cancer care.

Types of Oncologists

Oncologists who specialise in oncology - the branch of medicine dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. They have various specialities, each focusing on a different aspect of cancer treatment. Understanding the different types of oncologists is crucial for patients weighing their treatment options. Each specialist plays a unique role in the comprehensive care and management of cancer, ensuring customised treatment that addresses the specific needs of each case.

Medical Oncologist

Medical oncologists treat cancer using chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and other drugs. They manage the overall medical care of cancer patients, working with other specialists to ensure all-round care.

Surgical Oncologist

Oncologist surgeons perform surgeries to remove cancer. They do cancer surgery to remove tumours and surrounding tissues to get rid of the cancer, playing a key role in both diagnosing and treating cancer.

Radiation Oncologist

These oncologists specialise in treatment of cancer using radiation therapy. They plan and administer treatments that target cancer cells while protecting healthy tissues, vital in both curing and providing palliative care.

Paediatric Oncologist

Paediatric oncology specialists treat paediatric cancers (children cancer), understanding the unique challenges young patients and their families face. They provide customised treatments and compassionate care to help young patients beat cancer and return to their everyday lives.

When to See an Oncologist?

It’s vital to recognise when to consult an oncologist. Symptoms like unexpected weight loss, ongoing fatigue, unusual lumps, or persistent fever are red flags. Regular cancer screenings and early detection are crucial for catching cancer early, where it’s often most treatable. Oncologists are pivotal in these early stages, ensuring cancer is caught promptly and treated effectively.

The Role of an Oncologist in Treatment of Cancer

Treating cancer effectively often requires a coordinated effort from a diverse team of medical professionals. Oncologists are pivotal in this process, leading a team that includes surgeons, radiologists, and nurses, among others. This multidisciplinary team approach ensures every facet of the patient's care is managed holistically, enhancing treatment outcomes and patient well-being.

Treatment Planning and Management

Oncologists create detailed plans for treatment based on the type and stage of cancer. They take into account the patient's overall health and the specifics of the cancer’s progression to plan the most effective treatment strategies.

Multidisciplinary Team Approach

Treating cancer involves a team of specialists. Oncologists lead this team, which can include surgeons, radiologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, to provide comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of a patient’s health.

Common Types of Cancer Diagnosed and Treated by Oncologist

Types of Cancer Treated by Oncologists

1. Breast Cancer
2. Lung Cancer
3. Colorectal Cancer
4. Prostate Cancer
5. Liver Cancer
6. Pancreatic Cancer
7. Kidney (Renal) Cancer
8. Ovarian Cancer
9. Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer
10. Cervical Cancer
11. Esophageal Cancer
12. Stomach (Gastric) Cancer
13. Thyroid Cancer
14. Bladder Cancer
15. Brain Tumors (e.g., Glioblastoma)
16. Head and Neck Cancers
17. Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma)

Hematologic (Blood-related) Malignancies

1. Leukemia
• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
2. Lymphoma
• Hodgkin Lymphoma
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
3. Multiple Myeloma
4. Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
5. Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs)

Pediatric Cancers

1. Neuroblastoma
2. Wilms Tumor
3. Rhabdomyosarcoma
4. Ewing Sarcoma
5. Retinoblastoma
6. Medulloblastoma

Other Rare and Specialized Cancers

1. Sarcomas (e.g., Osteosarcoma, Soft Tissue Sarcomas)
2. Mesothelioma
3. Germ Cell Tumors (e.g., Testicular Cancer)
4. Carcinoid Tumors
5. Neuroendocrine Tumors
6. Adrenal Cancer
7. Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer)

Pre-Malignant Conditions

1. Precancerous Lesions (e.g., Cervical Dysplasia)
2. Polycythemia Vera
3. Essential Thrombocythemia

Common Surgeries and Treatment Procedures Performed by Oncologist

Surgical Oncology Procedures Performed by Surgical Oncologists

1. Tumor Resection (Removal of Tumors)
• Breast lumpectomy or mastectomy
• Colectomy (colon cancer)
• Lobectomy (lung cancer)
• Prostatectomy (prostate cancer)
• Nephrectomy (kidney cancer)
2. Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgeries
• Laparoscopic cancer surgeries (e.g., hysterectomy for uterine cancer)
• Robotic-assisted surgeries (e.g., prostate or rectal cancers)
3. Biopsy Procedures
• Core needle biopsy
• Incisional or excisional biopsy
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy
4. Debulking Surgery
5. Preventive (Prophylactic) Surgery
6. Reconstructive Surgeries
7. Palliative Surgeries

Medical Oncology Treatments Performed by Medical Oncologists

1. Chemotherapy
2. Targeted Therapy
3. Immunotherapy
4. Hormone Therapy
5. Bone Marrow Transplantation (Stem Cell Transplantation)
6. Cancer Vaccines

Radiation Oncology Treatments Performed by Radiation Oncologists

1. External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
2. Brachytherapy
3. Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
4. Radioisotope Therapy

Specialized Techniques

1. Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)
2. Cryotherapy
3. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
4. Laser Therapy
5. Ablation Techniques
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
• Microwave ablation

Other Supportive Treatments

1. Palliative Care Interventions
• Pain management
• Nutritional therapy
• Management of side effects like anemia or fatigue
2. Psychosocial Support
3. Rehabilitation

Common Diagnose Procedure Performed by Oncologists

Oncologists routinely perform several key procedures to diagnose and manage cancer effectively. While these may vary depending on the type and progression of cancer, typically these include biopsies, various imaging techniques.

Biopsies

Diagnosing cancer often begins with a biopsy, where oncologists remove a small piece of tissue to analyse cancer cells. This critical procedure helps determine the exact type and extent of the cancer.

Imaging Tests (CT, MRI, PET)

Imaging tests like CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans are crucial in diagnosing and staging cancer. They allow oncologists to see detailed images of tumours, helping them design accurate and effective plans for treatment.

Oncologist’s Role in Palliative Care

Oncologists have a vital role in providing palliative care, ensuring patients experience comfort and support throughout their cancer journey. In this capacity, they function in the following ways.

Managing Treatment Side Effects of Treatment

Oncologists also manage the treatment side effects of cancer, which can include nausea, pain, and extreme fatigue. They adjust treatments as needed and recommend supportive care to make patients as comfortable as possible.

Supportive Care

For advanced cancer patients, oncologists provide compassionate care that focuses on comfort and quality of life, managing pain and other symptoms as patients reach the final stages of their journey.

How to Choose the Right Oncologist?

Selecting the right oncologist is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the cancer treatment outcome. It's essential to choose a specialist who has extensive experience and specialisation in treating a specific type of cancer.

Experience and Specialisation

It is crucial to choose an oncologist with experience and specialisation in your specific cancer type. Consult someone knowledgeable about the latest treatment options and research findings.

Hospital and Treatment Facility

The facility where your oncologist practices should have a reputation for quality care and advanced technology. This can significantly affect the quality of care you receive.

Conclusion

Oncologists are crucial in the fight against cancer, providing specialised care that can significantly affect outcomes. At BLK Max Super Speciality Hospital, we are committed to providing advanced oncological care. If you or a loved one is facing cancer, reach out to us. Our team of experienced oncologists is ready to support you every step of the way, ensuring you receive the best care and treatment available.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What questions should I ask my oncologist?

Check about the type and stage of your cancer, treatment options, potential side effects, and treatment duration to fully understand your treatment plan and prognosis.

2. How often should I see an oncologist?

Visit to an oncologist frequency depends on your treatment and cancer stage. You may need weekly or bi-weekly visits during active treatment, with less frequent visits once you complete treatment.

3. Why do people refer to oncologists?

Most of the time, refer you to an oncologist for cancer diagnosis and treatment, offering specialised care tailored to the individual’s cancer type and stage.

4. What is the difference between a medical oncologist and a surgical oncologist?

A medical oncologist uses drugs to treat cancer, while a oncologist surgeon performs surgeries to remove cancerous tissues.

5. What are the success rates of treatments by oncologists?

Success rates vary by cancer type, stage, and the patient's overall health. Oncologists aim to provide effective treatments based on the most recent research and personalised care plans, improving outcomes significantly.