When you are diagnosed with cancer, there will usually be several healthcare providers you will need to visit for treatment. Along with an oncologist, you will work with other doctors, technicians, and nurses who will help provide care during your treatments. Some physicians may be involved in treating your cancer, while others will treat the area where the cancer is located.
Types of Oncologists
The following are some of the oncologists who may need to be on your treatment team:
* Medical oncologist
* Radiation oncologist
* Surgical oncologist
Medical Oncologist
A medical oncologist is the usually the doctor in charge of your main treatment plan once you have been diagnosed. Along with handling your general care, they will also recommend other cancer physicians to treat other aspects of your cancer. This doctor will be the one you see most often for checkups and treatment recommendations such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy.
Radiation Oncologist
If your medical oncologist thinks you need radiation therapy, then you will usually be referred to a radiation oncologist. Cancer physicians specializing in radiation therapy use it the treatment to target the tumor or cancer cells in your body to destroy them. The type of cancer and the stage it is in will determine whether radiation therapy is right for your case.
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical oncologists may be one of the first cancer physicians which many people see to get an accurate diagnosis of a mass or lump in their body. The doctor will perform a biopsy by removing a piece of tissue and sending it for analysis. Surgical oncologists also remove tumors and other cancerous tissues from your body.
Other physicians may be involved with your cancer treatment. For instance, if you need reconstruction surgery after breast cancer, a plastic surgeon may be on your treatment team to rebuild your breasts.
