Who is a Oncologist?
An Oncologist is a medical professional who evaluates, diagnoses, and treats patients with various cancers, such as breast cancer and lung cancer. It involves three major fields:
- Medical- cancers treated by medicines
- Radiation- cancers treated by radiation
- Surgical- cancers treated by surgical excision/removal
What is the difference between an Oncologist and a Cancer Surgeon?
An Oncologist may be a medical, radiation, or surgical cancer surgeon. It is a broad term that covers several types of cancer surgeons. A Cancer Surgeon is mostly of one particular type only- medicine, radiation, or surgical. They may or may not perform procedures not related to their field of specialization.
Common Problems Treated by an Oncologist:
- Lung cancer
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Uterine cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Blood cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Liver cancer
- Gastrointestinal cancer
When to consult an Oncologist?
Prostate:
You should visit an Oncologist when you face the following symptoms:
- Enlarged prostate
- Painful urination
- Frequent urination
Breast:
- Lump over the breast or under the arm
- Abnormally firm breast
- Nipple changes (color, appearance, etc.)
- Nipple discharge
- Itch, red, dimpled, scaly breast skin
Bladder:
- Frequent urination
- Pain or trouble urinating
- Blood in urine
Lungs:
- Trouble breathing
- Blood in sputum
- Tightness in chest
Bowel:
- Frequent changes in bowel habits
- Blood in stools
- Persistent abdominal cramps
Eating Habits (Esophagus or Stomach):
- Pain during or after eating
- Upper chest pain
- Trouble swallowing
- Appetite changes
- Nausea and vomiting
Mouth:
- Lesions on any part
- White or red patches on tongue or any part
- Voice changes
- Unusual bleeding
- Tingling or number in mouth
Neurological Problems:
- Headache
- Vision problems
- Seizures
- Dropping of face or any facial muscle
- Hearing changes
Skin:
- Appearance of abnormal-looking moles
- Changes in the appearance of existent moles (size/color)
General Symptoms:
- Weight changes
- Persistent fatigue
- Loss of appetite
Diseases/conditions usually treated by Oncologist:
- Lung cancer
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Uterine cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Blood cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Liver cancer
- Gastrointestinal cancer