An oncologist is a doctor who has had extra training in diagnosing and treating cancer. Some oncologists focus on a specific type of cancer treatment.
As part of a team of specialists, the oncologist also works with other experts to support the patient.
Oncologists are involved in a lot more than just clinical care. They also contribute to cancer research (including therapeutics, biology, epidemiology and clinical outcomes research), health education, clinical teaching and ethics.
I'd like to know more about the different types of oncologists.
A medical oncologist treats cancer using chemotherapy or other medications, such as hormone therapy and immunotherapy.
A surgical oncologist is someone who removes tumours or cancerous tissue during an operation. They may also perform biopsies (see below).
A radiation oncologist is a specialist in using radiation therapy (radiotherapy) to treat cancer.
When should you see an oncologist?
If you or a colleague has been diagnosed with cancer, or is suspected to have cancer, your GP may be able to refer you to an oncologist. A biopsy (tissue sample) will be taken and looked at by a pathologist. If it is found to be cancerous, a series of diagnostic tests and scans may be done to determine the size of the cancer and to find out whether it has spread.
Oncologists work as a team to recommend a course of treatment for individual patients.
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