An oncologist is a physician who specializes in caring for persons with cancer. He or she will typically oversee the entire medical process, from ordering tests and gathering data, to making a diagnosis and developing a response, to managing and evaluating the course of treatment. Oncologists are extensively educated, completing four years of medical school, a two- to five-year residency in internal medicine or surgery, and additional years of training in their specialty. Prior to practicing, they are licensed and board certified by a professional governing body. They maintain this certification throughout their career with supplemental training and testing.

What Does an Oncologist Do?

Oncologists diagnose and treat a wide range of cancers. In managing this disease, an oncologist acts as “the point person” for the care that his or her patients receive. Oversight involves the following steps:

• Meeting with the patient and outlining the treatment process
• Collecting data through medical records, lab tests, and biopsies
• Diagnosing the type of cancer and its stage of development
• Evaluating medical options and selecting the most effective response
• Managing and evaluating the course of treatment, including side effects
• Overseeing the patient’s post-treatment progress and care

Oncologists also recommend lifestyle changes as a form of preventive medicine, for example, smoking cessation, healthy diet, and regular exercise. Oncologists are found in both private-office and hospital settings. Many are also involved in university-based research programs.

What Types of Oncologists Are There?

Cancer takes a variety forms, which are reflected in the many oncological specialties. One type of specialization involves the primary method of treatment:

• Medical oncologists treat cancer with medicines, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy
• Radiation oncologists attack malignant cells with various forms of ionizing radiation
• Surgical oncologists perform operations to remove tumors and adjacent tissues from the body

Cancer specialties also focus on certain organs, systems, or areas of the body, including:

• Abdominal region
• Brain, nerves, and spinal column
• Breasts
• Chest cavity
• Circulatory system
• Reproductive organs
• Urologic system (bladder and kidneys)

Additionally, there are oncological specialties based on age, for example, pediatric oncology for cancer in children and geriatric oncology for cancer in seniors (65 years or older).

When Should You See an Oncologist?

You should see an oncologist whenever you have evidence of a possible cancer. Symptoms will vary by condition but might include:

• Lumps
• High fever or night sweats
• Unexpected weight change
• Extreme fatigue
• Persistent cough or labored breathing
• Changes in bowel habits
• Sexual dysfunction
• Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
• Frequent bruising or bleeding

You might also see an oncologist for a second opinion on a medical diagnosis from another provider.

What Can I Expect at My Visit to the Oncologist?

An oncologist’s first step in treating you is determining whether you have cancer and, if you do, what type of cancer and its stage of development. Your oncologist will conduct a physical exam, ask about your symptoms, and record your family history. As part of the exam, he or she will review medical records from your other physicians and any previous lab results. He or she may order additional tests, including blood or urine analyses and one or more imaging scans. Your oncologist may also arrange for a biopsy, in which a small tissue sample from a possibly cancerous mass is collected for analysis in a lab.

If you show evidence of cancer, your oncologist will schedule a follow-up meeting to explain treatment options. You will decide on a treatment plan, which he or she will oversee. The oncologist will arrange for specialty care and any medications included in the medical response. He or she will also talk to you about possible side effects and suggest methods for coping. Your oncologist will guide you through the treatment plan and manage your recovery phase as well.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or have a family medical history that concerns you, the Baptist Health oncology team is ready with expert care.