What is Medical Oncology, and When Do You Need a Medical Oncologist?
Oncology is a field of study related to medicine that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer. A doctor who specializes in treating and diagnosing cancer using various treatments like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy in adults is known as a medical oncologist.
This article delves into medical oncology and when to see a medical oncologist.
Who is a Medical Oncologist?
A medical oncologist is a part of the cancer treatment team. They determine a patient’s medication plan, depending on the type of cancer and location of the cancerous cells. The medical oncologist also factors in the patient’s age, general health, and previous cancer treatments when developing the treatment plan.
Besides creating a mediation plan, medical oncologists also oversee treatment, monitor the patient’s progress, and help manage any side effects associated with the treatment.
Furthermore, medical oncologists also work closely with other members of the cancer care team, such as surgeons and radiation oncologists, to manage cancer care.
When to See a Medical Oncologist
You will need to see a medical oncologist as soon as you are diagnosed with cancer. This will be the first step towards cancer treatment. Medical oncologists will help you understand your diagnosis better; they will walk you through the treatment process and procedures.
You may need to see other oncologists, depending on the type of cancer you have.
Apart from medical oncologists, there are surgical oncologists and radiation oncologists.
- A radiation oncologist treats cancer using radiation therapy, in which high-energy beams are used to destroy cancer cells.
- A surgical oncologist treats cancer by removing the cancer cells (tumors) surgically. They also perform a biopsy under which a small segment of tissue is taken to test it.
How to Find the Best Medical Oncologist
Here are some ways in which you can find the best medical oncologist:
- Contact a hospital that provides cancer treatment. Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune is one of the best cancer hospitals in Pune for cancer treatment.
- Ask your friends, family members, or relatives who have gone through such treatment. They can recommend the best oncologist.
- Contact the medical oncologist depending upon their experience in treating the disease.
- You can contact the medical oncologist on the phone or in person. This will help you know how exactly they can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) When Visiting a Medical Oncologist
- Why Should I See an Oncologist?
You might be referred to an oncologist after talking to your primary care doctor about unusual changes in your body. If your doctor recommends tests, and the results suggest that you may have cancer, they will likely refer you to a medical oncologist for further evaluation and treatment options.
- Does Seeing an Oncologist Mean I Have Cancer?
No, seeing an oncologist doesn’t mean you have cancer. You are being referred to a specialist because you have symptoms that might indicate cancer and an oncologist is trained to investigate these symptoms further. They will likely order more tests to understand your condition better and determine if cancer is present.
- What Should I Expect During My First Visit to an Oncologist?
At your first appointment with the best oncologist in Pune or any other city that you reside in, they will discuss your health in detail. You’ll talk about your symptoms, your medical history, any other conditions you may have, and past surgeries. If you were referred by another doctor, your oncologist will review the notes and test results from that doctor. The oncologist may also order new tests to get a clearer picture of what’s going on.
