What is oncology and what are the duties of a hematologist?

Due to the multifaceted nature of cancer, oncologists also have different types. Some of these doctors only specialize in certain treatments, and others only treat certain types of cancer. In the rest of the article, we will introduce the types of oncologists and the expertise of each of them.

A surgical oncologist is a specialist who uses surgical methods to treat all types of cancer. Cancer surgery is used when the disease has not spread and the treating doctor can control the disease by removing the tumor and surrounding tissue.

Surgical oncologists, in addition to diagnosing the type and degree of disease progression and surgery of cancer patients, are also with their patients in the post-treatment stages and accompany them and their families in these stages.

Sometimes doctors use methods such as drug therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal treatments and other targeted treatments to treat cancer patients. Doctors who use these methods to treat their patients are called medical oncologists and are often known as primary cancer doctors.

If the cancer patient is in the advanced stages of the disease and the treatment methods are not working, the medical oncologist uses palliative treatments to help this person. Most medical oncologists specialize in hematology.

Doctors who have completed medical residency (residency) and completed radiation oncology fellowship are called radiation oncologists. This group of doctors uses appropriate radiation therapy for cancer treatment.

Radiation oncologists, after mapping the parts of the patient’s body that are to be treated with radiation, determine the amount of radiation and the number of treatment sessions required by the patient.

A large number of cancer patients undergo radiation therapy. This has increased the involvement of radiation oncologists in the treatment of various types of cancer and paved the way for the development of new methods in this field.

Currently, these doctors use new and very effective methods such as stereotactic radiotherapy, which in addition to treating primary tumors, are also used in cancers that have involved other parts of the body.

Gynecologists and obstetricians continue to work as gynecological oncologists after completing specialized courses in the treatment of gynecological cancers. These doctors specialize in the treatment of cancers such as ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, and cervical cancer, and for this they use different treatment methods such as drug treatments and even surgery.

In addition to the treatment of all types of women’s cancers, gynecological oncologists also specialize in the treatment of gynecological disorders and diseases. Misalignment of the uterine lining (endometriosis) and fibroid tumor (benign tumor) are among the disorders that this group of oncologists can provide the best possible treatments for.

Blood cancer (leukemia), malignant bone tumor (osteosarcoma), Ewing’s sarcoma and various brain tumors of children are among the diseases that appear in childhood and adolescence. In such situations, pediatric oncologists are the best option to help these patients and their families.

Children’s cancers usually occur between birth and 18 years of age; But sometimes, these diseases involve adults. In such situations, people may prefer that a pediatric oncologist undertakes their treatment; Because these doctors have a lot of expertise and skills in the field of treating children’s cancers.

Neurological oncologists treat patients with brain and spinal cord cancer or people whose cancerous tumors have affected their nervous system. These doctors have enough expertise and knowledge in this field and use different and specialized methods to treat their cancer patients.

Sometimes patients struggle with neurological complications from the treatments used for cancer. In such situations, neuro-oncologists intervene and take necessary measures to minimize these complications.

Just as children’s cancers are treated by pediatric oncologists, it is better for the elderly with different types of hand and paw cancer to be under the supervision of geriatric oncologists.

Seniors older than 65 years who are suffering from various types of cancer need special care and even treatment. Geriatric oncologists, having sufficient knowledge in this field, consider the best treatments and care for this group of patients.

Urological oncologists specialize in the treatment of male and female urinary tract cancers. The human urinary tract includes the prostate, kidneys, bladder, penis, and testicles, and may be involved in various cancers, each of which has its own conditions and requires special treatments accordingly.