Who Is an Oncologist? | A Patient’s Guide and FAQs for Cancer Care

What does an oncologist do?

An oncologist evaluates patients with suspected or confirmed cancer, recommends treatment options, and oversees the management of therapy. This may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and coordination with other specialists. They also monitor patient progress, adjust treatment plans, and provide supportive care. Oncologists play a vital role throughout the entire cancer journey, from diagnosis to recovery or palliative care.

When to see a gynecologic oncologist?

A gynecologic oncologist should be consulted when a woman is diagnosed with or suspected of having cancer of the reproductive organs. Conditions include ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, vulvar cancer, or vaginal cancers. These specialists also manage complex precancerous conditions and provide surgical and medical treatment options. Early referrals can be crucial for proper staging and effective treatment planning.

Who is a radiation oncologist?

A radiation oncologist is a physician trained in using high-energy radiation to treat cancer. They plan and deliver precise doses of radiation to shrink tumors or kill cancer cells. This role requires expertise in radiation physics and oncology. They also monitor patients for treatment side effects and collaborate with other cancer specialists for comprehensive care.

When to see an oncologist?

An oncologist should be consulted if there is a confirmed diagnosis of cancer or suspicion based on symptoms like persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, lumps, or abnormal bleeding. They may also be seen as a second opinion, follow-up care, or ongoing cancer management. Prompt evaluation ensures early detection and more effective treatment options.

Do medical oncologists perform surgery?

No, medical oncologists do not perform surgery. Their focus is on systemic cancer treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy. Surgical procedures are handled by surgical oncologists. Medical oncologists coordinate care among various specialists and guide patients through non-surgical treatment plans and ongoing cancer monitoring.

Does an oncologist only deal with cancer?

Yes, the primary focus of an oncologist is the treatment of cancer. However, they may also manage complications resulting from cancer or its treatment, such as anemia, infections, or metabolic imbalances. Oncologists may also offer palliative care to improve quality of life for patients with advanced or incurable cancer.

What do radiation oncologists do?

Radiation oncologists plan and administer radiation therapy using techniques like IMRT, SBRT, and brachytherapy. They determine appropriate radiation doses, oversee treatment sessions, and monitor patient response. Their work minimizes damage to healthy tissues while targeting cancer cells. They also collaborate with other specialists to ensure cohesive cancer care.

Can a doctor detect lung cancer with a stethoscope?

A stethoscope may help detect abnormal lung sounds, but it cannot confirm lung cancer. Diagnosis requires imaging tests such as chest X-rays or CT scans and laboratory evaluations like biopsies or sputum analysis. A stethoscope may help identify conditions prompting further investigation, but is not a diagnostic tool for cancer.

What questions do doctors ask cancer patients?

Doctors typically ask about the patient’s symptoms, duration, medical history, family history of cancer, lifestyle factors, and previous treatments. These questions help understand the nature of the disease and personalize the treatment approach. Detailed patient information is essential for accurate diagnosis and tailored cancer care planning.

How do doctors check for breast cancer?

Doctors evaluate breast cancer through physical examinations, imaging studies like mammograms and ultrasounds, and biopsies. MRI scans may also be used for further assessment. The combination of these diagnostic tools helps in identifying lumps, tissue abnormalities, and confirming malignancy, which is essential for staging and treatment planning.

How do doctors diagnose testicular cancer?

Testicular cancer diagnosis involves a physical exam, scrotal ultrasound, and blood tests for tumor markers such as AFP, hCG, and LDH. In some cases, surgical removal and biopsy may be needed. Early diagnosis is critical and often leads to effective treatment and favorable outcomes.

Can a doctor diagnose cancer without a biopsy?

While imaging and blood tests can suggest the presence of cancer, a biopsy remains the most definitive way to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy provides tissue samples for histopathological examination to identify the cancer type, grade, and other characteristics that influence treatment decisions.

Is a hematologist the same as an oncologist?

No, a hematologist is not the same as an oncologist, though their fields can overlap. A hematologist specializes in disorders of the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system, treating conditions like anemia, clotting disorders, or leukemia. An oncologist focuses on diagnosing and treating cancer, which may include blood cancers like leukemia. Some hematologists are also oncologists (hematologist-oncologists), specializing in blood-related cancers.

What is a cancer doctor called?

A cancer doctor is called an oncologist. Oncologists are trained to diagnose, manage, and treat various types of cancer using methods such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. There are different types of oncologists, including medical, surgical, radiation, and pediatric oncologists, each specializing in a specific aspect of cancer care.

Can a doctor see cervical cancer during colposcopy?

Colposcopy allows visualization of abnormal areas on the cervix using a special magnifying instrument. While it helps identify suspicious lesions, a biopsy is needed during the procedure to confirm cancer. Colposcopy is primarily a diagnostic aid used after abnormal Pap smear results.

What types of cancer does a surgical oncologist treat?

A surgical oncologist treats cancers that can be managed or removed through surgery. These include breast, gastrointestinal, gynecologic, thoracic, urologic, skin, and soft tissue cancers. They perform procedures to remove tumors, assess disease spread, and sometimes reconstruct affected areas after tumor excision.

Who is a pediatric oncologist and what do they treat?

A pediatric oncologist is a specialist who treats cancers in children and adolescents. Common conditions include leukemia, lymphomas, neuroblastoma, and brain tumors. They are trained to address both the medical and emotional needs of young patients, and often work closely with family members throughout treatment.

What does an ortho oncologist do?

An ortho oncologist specializes in diagnosing and treating bone and soft tissue tumors. These include primary cancers like osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma, as well as metastatic lesions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Treatment may involve limb-sparing surgeries, chemotherapy, and reconstructive techniques.

Who is a uro oncologist?

An uro oncologist is a physician who focuses on cancers of the urinary tract and male reproductive system, including the kidneys, bladder, prostate, and testes. They offer both medical and surgical treatments depending on the type of cancer and work closely with urologists and medical oncologists.

What does a neuro oncologist do?

A neuro oncologist treats cancers involving the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. They coordinate with neurologists, neurosurgeons, and radiation oncologists to develop integrated treatment plans. Conditions commonly managed include gliomas, meningiomas, and metastatic brain tumors.

Oncology Department | Cancer Hospital in Hyderabad