When your doctor says, "I need to see an oncologist," you might be a little scared. It's normal to wonder, "Do I have cancer?" But, it's not always the case. Sometimes it can be a referral to clear up a doubt. So, without further ado, let's talk about who an oncologist is, what exactly they do, and when you should see them.
Who is this oncologist?
Simply put, we call
doctors who diagnose and treat cancer an oncologist. This doctor is usually the main healthcare provider for someone with cancer. Think of this doctor as the captain of your team in the fight against cancer. His role is to plan treatment, provide you with the support you need, and, if necessary, coordinate your treatment with other specialists. We call this field of medicine related to cancer
(Oncology) .
What exactly does an oncologist do?
An oncologist manages patients throughout the course of their disease. That means:
- The first step is to confirm a patient's cancer .
- Explaining cancer and its stage in a simple way to the patient and family.
- Explaining all available treatment options and recommending the best treatment plan for the patient.
- Monitoring the patient's condition throughout the treatment period.
- Helping to manage side effects and symptoms caused by the disease as well as its treatment.
There are many sub-specialties within oncologists, so he will work to add the doctors who best fit your treatment plan to your team.
| Specialty | A simple explanation of what is being done |
|---|
| Medical Oncologist | Often your primary oncologist. They are the ones who provide drug treatments such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy . |
| Surgical Oncologist | A surgeon who specializes in surgically removing cancerous tumors. |
| Radiation Oncologist | A doctor who specializes in destroying cancer cells through radiation therapy . |
| Hematologist-Oncologist | A doctor who treats blood-related cancers (e.g. leukemia) and other blood diseases (e.g. anemia , sickle cell disease , thrombosis ). |
| Gynecologic Oncologist | A doctor who specializes in women's cancers such as uterine, ovarian, and cervical cancers. |
| Pediatric Oncologist | A specialist who treats cancers that commonly occur in children and young adults. |
In what cases are you referred to an oncologist?
If your family doctor suspects something, he or she may refer you to an oncologist for a specialist opinion. This will help determine the exact cause of your problem and provide the best treatment.
1. Check for an unusual lump or bump on the body
It is not always easy for a general doctor to tell immediately whether a lump is cancerous or not. Therefore, a referral to an oncologist is made for further testing.
The important thing is that most of these lumps and bumps are benign . However, it is important to get them checked out to make sure.
By referring to this,
- It's a relief to know that you don't have cancer.
- You can confirm that the cause of your symptoms is not cancer.
- If it is malignant, it can be caught in the early stages . Then the chances of treatment being successful are higher.
2. Plan treatment once cancer is confirmed
If you are diagnosed with cancer, you will be referred to an oncologist. He or she will evaluate your condition, explain your treatment options, and make a recommendation. The treatment plan may include:
- Radiation therapy : To reduce tumor growth while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
- Surgery : To remove the tumor surgically.
- Targeted therapy: To limit the spread of cancer to other areas.
- Chemotherapy : A treatment that destroys cancer cells .
3. Get a Second Opinion
Cancer is a complex disease. Therefore, it is very common to seek a second opinion from an oncologist. Don't feel guilty about it or get angry with your doctor. By getting a second opinion,
- You can get a specialist to confirm the diagnosis.
- You can learn more about the type and stage of cancer.
- You can learn about other treatment options .
- You can learn about available clinical trials .
4. For blood-related conditions
A hematologist-oncologist also treats non-cancerous diseases related to the blood. A doctor may refer you if you have symptoms like these:
- Symptoms of Anemia: Brittle nails, swollen tongue , extreme fatigue , heart disease.
- Symptoms of sickle cell disease: frequent infections, swelling of the limbs, vision problems, severe pain episodes.
- Symptoms of blood clots (Thrombosis): Swelling, pain, discoloration of the affected area.
What should you expect when you go to see an oncologist?
Your first appointment is a consultation. The doctor's main goal is to find out if you have cancer, where it is, if so, and to provide you with the best resources to manage your condition. During this appointment, the doctor will examine you thoroughly and ask about your and your family's medical history.
Don't forget to bring all your past reports and a list of any medications you take (including supplements). He or she will review any scans you have already had and, if necessary, order new tests. These may include blood and urine tests, as well as imaging tests such as
a CT scan, MRI, PET scan , or
ultrasound . If cancer is suspected, a
biopsy , which involves removing a small piece of tissue, is usually needed to confirm the diagnosis. This tissue sample is examined by
a pathologist to see if there are any cancer cells. If cancer or a blood-related disease is confirmed, the doctor's next steps will be:
- Explaining all the treatment options available to you and giving his/her recommendation.
- Talking about your fears and worries.
- Bringing together the necessary team of specialists to provide a complete treatment plan.
- Providing a basic idea (prognosis) about the possibility of curing the disease.
You may have many questions to ask the doctor. Don't keep any of them in mind. For example,
- If you want to get a second opinion, where and when should you get it?
- Will the treatment affect my fertility?
- What are the side effects of the treatment?
- What resources (support groups) are available to help me?
- What are the goals and success rates of this treatment plan?
Take-Home Message
- Just because you are referred to an oncologist doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer. It's often just to rule out a suspicion.
- Oncologists are a group of highly trained specialists who are dedicated to helping you.
- Be well prepared for your first appointment. Bring all your medical records and a list of medications you take.
- Don't be afraid to ask any questions you have. It's a good idea to get a second opinion if necessary.
- Their only goal, and yours, is to provide you with the best possible treatment and care. Trust your doctor.
Oncologist in Sinhala, cancer specialist, cancer treatment, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, cancer symptoms, cancer diagnosis Sri Lanka
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