An oncologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals affected by cancer. They are experts in oncology, the branch of medicine focused on understanding and combating this complex disease. Oncologists work to identify cancer, determine its extent, and then develop and oversee a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
The Range of Cancers Treated
Oncologists manage a wide spectrum of cancers affecting various parts of the body. They treat solid tumors, including common types such as breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and melanoma. These specialists also address cancers of the brain, kidney, liver, and other organs. Beyond solid tumors, oncologists are skilled in treating hematologic cancers, which originate in the blood, bone marrow, or lymph nodes. Examples of these include leukemias, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma. The specific type of cancer influences the diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies employed by the oncology team.
How Oncologists Treat Cancer
Oncologists utilize various modalities to treat cancer, often combining them for comprehensive care.
Chemotherapy: Involves using powerful drugs to kill or slow the growth of rapidly dividing cancer cells throughout the body. These drugs interfere with the cancer cells’ ability to grow or replicate themselves, leading to their death.
Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy particles or waves, such as X-rays, to damage the DNA within cancer cells, causing them to die or stop dividing. This treatment can be delivered externally from a machine or internally through radioactive sources placed near the tumor.
Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s own immune system to better recognize and fight cancer cells. This approach trains the immune system to target and destroy cancerous cells.
Targeted therapy: Focuses on specific molecules within cancer cells that contribute to their growth and survival, blocking these signals to inhibit tumor progression. These therapies are designed to attack cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy ones.
Hormone therapy: Is used for cancers that rely on hormones for growth, by either blocking hormone production or preventing hormones from stimulating cancer cells. This treatment is particularly common for certain breast and prostate cancers.
Different Types of Oncologists
The field of oncology encompasses several specialized areas, with different types of oncologists focusing on specific aspects of cancer care.
Medical oncologists: Use medications like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy to treat cancer and often serves as the primary physician coordinating a patient’s overall care.
Surgical oncologists: Specialize in removing tumors and surrounding tissues through surgical procedures.
Radiation oncologists: Administer radiation therapy, precisely planning and delivering high-energy treatments to target cancer cells.
Pediatric oncologists: Treat cancers in children.
Gynecologic oncologists: Specialize in cancers of the female reproductive system, such as ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancers.
Hematologist-oncologists: Focus on blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
These various specialists frequently collaborate as a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive and coordinated patient care.
The Oncologist’s Role Beyond Treatment
An oncologist’s responsibilities extend beyond administering treatment to encompass the entire cancer journey. They diagnose cancer by interpreting tests such as imaging scans, blood work, and biopsies, and determine the cancer’s stage to develop personalized treatment plans. Throughout treatment, oncologists manage potential side effects and provide supportive care, which addresses the patient’s physical, emotional, and social needs, and can include palliative care aimed at improving quality of life. After active treatment, oncologists guide patients through survivorship care, monitoring for recurrence, managing long-term effects, and providing education on healthy lifestyle choices. This comprehensive approach ensures patients receive ongoing support and guidance.