What are the different types of oncologists and how do they treat cancer?
A cancer specialist will usually have the required clinical experience and expertise in treating all types of cancer. These medical professionals are referred to as oncologists in the medical field. Their line of medical services consists of offering medical care for people who are diagnosed with cancer. These cancer doctors will usually be specialized in three major areas of cancer according to the treatments, such as:
- Radiation oncology
- Medical oncology
- Surgical oncology
Each type of cancer treatment involves various techniques, but the sole aim of an oncologist is to alleviate the pain caused by the condition as well as to treat it in an effective and efficient manner.
Radiation oncologists will usually treat cancer by making use of radiation therapy using high-power x-rays. They will aim to obliterate cancer cells in the body of patients. On the other hand, medical oncologists will treat the condition by making use of medications, including immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. As the name suggests, surgical oncologists will perform surgical procedures to treat cancer. The procedure involves the elimination of the tumor as well as the adjoining damaged tissues. This type of cancer specialist can also do certain types of biopsies to diagnose cancer.
The ecology and behavior of breast cancer influence the treatment plan. Some tumors in breasts are smaller but develop rapidly, whereas others are bigger and grow gradually. The options as well as recommendations for breast cancer treatment are very personalized and count on numerous factors, including:
- The subtype of the tumor
- The stage of the tumor
- Genomic tests
- The age, overall health, menopausal condition, and preferences of a patient
The genetic tests provide the results of the presence of identified changes in inborn breast cancer genes, like BRCA1 or BRCA2.
Although a professional team of cancer experts will usually provide breast cancer treatment, the team will specifically customize the treatment plan for each type as well as the size of the tumor and patient. The treatment also involves following some common steps if the condition is in its onset stage. For the advanced stage of cancer, the only treatment option available is the removal of the tumor.
