An oncology specialist is a physician who specializes in cancer cases and research. To become an oncology specialist, one must complete years of training beyond medical school, with many oncologists spending years studying a specific branch of the field, such as gynecological oncology or surgical oncology. Depending on his or her training and abilities, an oncology specialist can do a variety of things.
An oncology specialist can help with cancer research, diagnosis, and treatment, among other things. An oncologist may be involved in the development and advancement of cancer treatment techniques in research. A researcher may also devote time to learning about the causes of cancer in order to improve medical knowledge about cancer prevention. Many oncologists who work as researchers also study genetics to better understand the relationship between DNA and hereditary cancer.
If routine tests reveal abnormal results that could indicate cancer, the patient should see an oncologist first. An oncologist is frequently consulted to review the results, speak with the patient, and make recommendations for additional tests. If cancer is discovered and diagnosed, the patient may be treated not one, but several oncology specialists, depending on the type of treatment needed.
If a tumor is found to be operable, it may be removed a surgical oncologist. These surgeons are skilled at visualizing tumors and removing them entirely or as much as possible to reduce the risk of recurrence. Although many different types of surgeons can remove tumors, a surgical oncologist is likely to have earned that title after completing a post-graduate program that focused on cancer-related surgery.
Clinical oncologists and radiotherapists frequently work with cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy, drug therapy, or radiation therapy. These doctors frequently collaborate with a patient’s primary care physician to develop a comprehensive plan to combat cancer. If some tumors can be removed or are subject to surgery after a course of drug therapy or radiation, they may also work as a team with a surgical oncologist.
Oncology specialists can be divided further into those who treat specific types of cancer. A gynecological oncologist is a doctor who specializes in cancers of the female reproductive system, such as cervical cancer. A pediatric oncologist specializes in cancers that affect children. Oncologists, regardless of specialty, are valiant warriors in the fight to understand, discover, and eradicate cancer. New treatments and improvements are regularly available as a result of the tremendous interest in this medical field, giving cancer patients around the world more hope.