Will a Medical oncologist help manage side effects during treatment?
Absolutely! One of the important roles of a medical oncologist is to help manage and alleviate side effects during cancer treatment. They work closely with patients, monitoring their progress and addressing any treatment-related issues. Medical oncologists possess extensive knowledge and experience in mitigating side effects, such as nausea, fatigue, or hair loss. They provide guidance, prescribe medications or recommend supportive therapies to minimise discomfort and improve the overall quality of life for cancer patients. Their dedication to cancer care ensures patients receive optimal support throughout their treatment journey.
What are the most common types of cancer treated by medical oncologists?
Medical oncologists are skilled in treating a wide range of cancers. Some of the most common types of cancer treated by medical oncologists include:
Breast cancer: Medical oncologists play a crucial role in the comprehensive treatment of breast cancer, including the use of chemotherapy.
Lung cancer: Medical oncologists are involved in the diagnosis and management of lung cancer, employing treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
Colorectal cancer: Medical oncologists are often involved in the multidisciplinary treatment of colorectal cancer, utilising chemotherapy and targeted therapies to improve patient outcomes.
Prostate cancer: Medical oncologists provide specialised care for patients with prostate cancer, employing hormone therapy and other targeted treatments tailored to the individual patient.
Ovarian cancer: Medical oncologists play a critical role in the treatment of ovarian cancer, using surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies to effectively manage the disease.
Leukemia: Medical oncologists specialise in the treatment of leukemia, utilising chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and sometimes bone marrow transplantation, to achieve remission and improve long-term outcomes.
It's important to note that medical oncologists are trained to treat various other types of cancer as well, and their expertise extends to a wide range of malignancies. The specific treatment approach for each patient is individualised based on the type of cancer, its stage, and various patient-specific factors.
Do Medical Oncologists perform surgery?
Medical oncologists typically do not perform surgery. Medical oncology is a subspecialty of internal medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer using systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormonal therapy. Medical oncologists are primarily involved in the administration and oversight of these treatments, along with the coordination of care for cancer patients.
What documents to carry on my first visit to a Medical oncologist?
When visiting a medical oncologist for the first time, it's essential to have the following documents and information readily available:
Relevant Medical Records: This includes diagnostic reports, pathology reports, imaging studies (such as CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans), and treatment histories associated with your cancer diagnosis.
List of Medications: A detailed list of all medications you are currently taking, encompassing prescription medications, оver-the-counter drugs, as well as any supplements or herbal remedies.
Insurance Information: Bring your insurance card and any pertinent details regarding your health insurance coverage, along with documentation of any prior authorizations needed for specific treatments.
Personal Identification: Carry a valid photo ID and any necessary personal identification to expedite registration and confirmation of your identity.
Contact Details: Make sure to provide updated contact information, including your address, phone number, and emergency contact details.
Family History: If possible, supply a succinct family medical history, particularly as it pertains to cancer or other relevant health conditions
What is Surgical Oncology?
Surgical oncology is a field of medicine that uses surgery to treat cancer. Its main goal is to find harmful tumours in the body and remove them. Doctors who practice surgical oncology can find out if the disease has spread to other parts of your body.
Whom I should consult for Thyroid Tumours?
If you are worried about thyroid cancer, the first step you need to take is to visit your Head and Neck specialists. They can diagnose and treat your thyroid cancer so you can get on with your life.
How does radiation therapy work?
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours.Cancer cells begin to die days or weeks after treatment starts, and continue to die for weeks or months after it finishes.
What are the symptoms of cancer?
The earlier cancer is detected, the greater the chance of curing it Change in bowel or bladder habits Unusual bleeding or discharge Thickening or lump in the breast or other parts of the body Anemia Changes on skin.
What are the most common types of cancer?
Non-melanoma Skin Cancer Breast Cancer Leukemia Kidney Cancer Pancreatic Cancer.
Can radiotherapy cause hair loss on the scalp?
Yes, radiotherapy can cause hair loss only when treating head, brain or scalp of a patient. It means hair loss is a common side effect that occurs in the area being treated with radiotherapy. Usually, hairs will start to fall out 2 to 3 weeks after treatment starts.
In a female, radiotherapy to the breasts will lose hair in the armpit and male hair loss will occur in facial/beard/mustache.
With radiotherapy of the head, brain and scalp, earlier the hair loss used to be permanent due to higher effect on the skin. In the present day, all these situations hairs start to regrow from 6 months to 1year in almost all people. In many it comes to the original level.
