There are a huge number of diseases in the world, each of which is treated by the appropriate doctor. Now it is difficult to understand the narrow medical specialization, because in addition to such concepts as “dentist”, “gynecologist”, “oculist”, most people have no idea what this or that doctor does, for example, many people have a question about who an oncologist is and what is his medical activity, what diseases can he cure.
Oncology as a medical field
"What does an oncologist do?" - you ask. The work of such a doctor is to diagnose and treat tumors of any kind and at any stage of development. In other words, an oncologist is a specialist in precancerous and cancerous conditions.
Besides doctors who see patients directly, there are doctors who study oncology as a science. These people are engaged in the study of the causes and mechanisms that give rise to tumors, both benign and malignant. In addition, the practice of scientific doctors includes the development of various methods and tactics of treatment, as well as the development of ways to prevent such diseases.
Malignant and benign tumors - what is it?
If you want to know who an oncologist is, then when answering this question, you must first learn about malignant and benign tumors, because these are the direct objects of treatment of this specialist.
- Malignant tumors are characterized by active development, and along with that, the rapid damage to nearby organs and tissues. This type of tumor is dangerous not only by rapid development, but also by the creation of barriers to the functioning of vital organs, which, as a result, gives rise to unbearable pain, and later death.
- Unlike the above type, benign tumors do not have the ability to develop and affect nearby organs. Despite this, it is necessary to establish careful monitoring of cancer cells, because they have the ability to regenerate and begin active reproduction.
An oncologist is available in any city, and since the diagnosis of the body does not take much time, you should not delay visiting a doctor.
Oncology areas
If you ask what diseases an oncologist deals with, when answering, you need to clarify the numerous areas of oncology and specialists who practice in a particular industry:
- Mammologist is a female doctor who deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the mammary glands.
- Oncodermatologist - based on the name, it is not difficult to guess that the specialistof this profile deals with the treatment of skin tumors.
- Thoracic oncologist belongs to the surgical profile and is engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of several human organs: tumors of the trachea, esophagus, diaphragm, stomach, lungs, and so on. As practice shows, most often a thoracic oncologist deals with the treatment of lung cancer.
- Oncogynecologist - the profile direction of treatment of this specialist is the organs of the reproductive system.
- Oncologist-coloproctologist - is involved in treatment if the tumor was diagnosed in the anus or in one of the sections of the colon.
- Oncologist-gastroenterologist - deals with the treatment of cancerous tumors that develop either near or on the digestive organs.
List of diseases treated by an oncologist
The best oncologists in the country most often face the following types of diseases:
- leukemia;
- skin melanoma;
- lymphogranulomatosis;
- myeloma;
- uterine fibroids;
- neuroendocrine tumors and so on.
The list of diseases is not exhaustive. The above types of diseases are also de alt with by a pediatric oncologist who diagnoses cancer in young children.
When it's time to go to the oncologist
As a rule, an appointment with an oncologist is referred by other specialists who are suspected of having one or another type of tumor. The profile direction canpromote the following circumstances:
- Cracks and ulcers in the area of the skin, lips, uterus, which do not heal for a long time, despite their long-term treatment.
- Abundant mucus, pus are a signal of cancerous tumors if there are no other reasons for their appearance.
- Change in the color of age spots, the appearance of a red arc around them, an increase in size, and other changes (they began to itch).
- Swallowing food is painful and becomes more difficult over time.
- Having a paroxysmal cough for no apparent reason.
- Constipation, diarrhea, other digestive disorders of the stomach in the absence of reasons.
- Regular increases in body temperature for no reason.
- Fast weight loss of more than 15 percent of total body weight in a few months.
- Prolonged pain in the bones, in the region of the spine without any causes that contributed to this (bumps).
- Formations of unknown origin in the chest, mammary glands.
Oncologist appointment procedure
"Who is an oncologist and how is the first appointment?" - the main question of those who were referred by a specialized doctor to a diagnostic center.
At the first visit, you should definitely take an outpatient card with you, where there are all medical histories, examination results, as well as the conclusion of the doctor who issued the referral for cancer diagnosis. An oncologist is necessarily interested in the presence of diseases along a hereditary line, therefore, beforeby reception, it is better to study the family tree well and the history of serious diseases of this type in blood relatives.
After a short interview, the doctor prescribes all the necessary diagnostic measures to determine the size of the tumor, the degree of its spread, location and localization. As the test results come in, the oncologist develops and prescribes a course of treatment.
Types of examinations prescribed by a doctor
As a rule, a doctor, including a pediatric oncologist, prescribes the following types of examinations:
- x-ray;
- blood test;
- Ultrasound of internal organs;
- computed tomography;
- MRI;
- analysis for tumor markers;
- biopsy;
- cytological examination;
- puncture.
Who needs a routine check-up and when
Having received an answer to the question of who an oncologist is, you are probably interested in knowing who and when should be examined by this specialist? It is important to note that a visit to an oncologist is necessary not only in case of detection of cancer or pain of unknown origin, but also as a preventive measure. The sooner the doctor conducts an examination, the higher the likelihood of getting rid of possible diseases. It is necessary to see a specialist immediately in the following cases:
- Persons who have reached the age of 45. This item especially applies to nulliparous women after 40 years of age - such categories of persons must undergopreventive examination at least once a year.
- If such severe diagnoses as liver cirrhosis, mastopathy, intestinal polyposis have been made.
- Presence of oncological diseases in a family line.
- It is important to see a specialist regularly if you have had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in order to prevent and monitor cell development.
- Working in a production facility with a high level of pollution: dust, gas, radiation, and so on.
- Smoking and frequent visits to the solarium are also reasons to visit an oncologist.
If one of the above points has appeared in your life, you should immediately take a referral from a therapist and go to the oncology center for diagnosis.
If your dream is to become an oncologist
Difficult medical profession - an oncologist. Reviews about such specialists are very different: from confidentially positive to negatively negative. If you decide to dedicate your life to the treatment of seriously ill people, you must remember the huge responsibility that lies on the shoulders of each specialist.
Oncology is rightfully considered one of the most complex medical specializations, requiring from the doctor not only the lion's share of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, but also a high level of concentration, attentiveness, responsibility, and determination. In addition, the chief oncologist, in addition to the above, has such qualities as compassion, a good memory and a desire to help people.
Every qualified person inmust monitor their he alth without fail, because loss of hearing or vision leads to further disability of the oncologist.
Qualification of a specialist in this medical field increases throughout the entire medical activity. This means that a good doctor must have not only a medical education, but also high-quality postgraduate training. As a rule, after receiving a general higher education, oncologists study for about 3 years in residency.
In any case, whatever the path to the dream, diligence, patience, work, diligence, as well as work on one’s own qualities will bring them closer to the cherished goal, namely, the healing of people who so need help and salvation from terrifying disease.
