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Who is Oncologist?

The branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer is Oncology. Medical professionals who are well trained and specialized in oncology are called Oncologists. They evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients suffering from any type of cancer.

What are the qualifications of an Oncologist?

A 5-year medical degree [MBBS] that is recognized by the General Medical Council and a 2-year foundation course of general training are the basic requirements for an individual to be a doctor. However, following are few of the specialties or extra qualifications required to be an Oncologist:

• DM - Hematology
• DNB - Hematology
• FRCPath - Haematology
• DM - Oncology
• Ph.D. - Medical Oncology
• DNB - Medical Oncology
• DM - Clinical Haematology
• DM - Haematology Pathology/Hematopathology
• Fellowship Programme in Orthopedic Oncology
• Fellowship in Gynaec Oncology
• MCh - Gynaecological Oncology
• DM - Medical Oncology
• Diplomate in Medical Oncology (American Board of Internal Medicine)
• Fellowship in Medical Oncology
• FRCR - Clinical Oncology
• DNB - Medical Oncology
• Junior Residency Training Program (Surgical Oncology)
• Training in Surgical Oncology (G.I. Oncology)
  DNB - Surgical Gastroenterology
• MCh - Surgical Gastroenterology/G.I. Surgery
• Senior Residency Training Program (Surgical Oncology)
• Fellow (Surgical Oncology)
• MCh - Oncology
• MCh - Surgical Oncology
• DNB - Surgical Oncology
• MD - Radiotherapy
• DNB - Radiotherapy
• PhD - Radiotherapy
• Diploma in Radio Therapy
• DM - Paediatric Oncology

The above qualifications are for the Orthopedic oncologist, Gynecologic oncologist, Medical oncologist, Radiation oncologist, Hematologic oncologist, Surgical oncologist, and Pediatric oncologist.

When should an individual consult an Oncologist?

If a person is suffering from symptoms of cancer or individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer should consult an Oncologist. Few of the diseases and medical conditions for which an individual should consult an Oncologist are:

• Hodgkin lymphoma
• Brain tumors
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Liver cancer
• Mouth cancer
• Lung cancer
• Leukemia
• Hepatoblastoma
• Wilms tumor
• Germ cell tumors
• Bone marrow cancer

What are the surgeries that can be performed by an Oncologist?

There are 3 types of Oncologists and they are Medical oncologists, Surgical Oncologists, and Radiation Oncologists, Surgical Oncologists can perform surgery to treat and cure cancer. Few of the surgeries performed during cancer treatment are:

• Palliative surgery
• Supportive surgery
• Restorative surgery
• Staging surgery
• Preventive surgery
• Curative surgery
• Electrosurgery
• Cryosurgery
• Debulking surgery
• Diagnostic surgery
• Laser surgery

Are Oncologists and Radiologists the same?

Oncologists are professionals who diagnose and treat any type of cancer through medications, surgery, and radiation. Radiologists are doctors who diagnose and treat patient’s medical conditions using medical procedures like X-ray, MRI-scan, CT- scan, ultrasound, and medical imaging [radiology], etc. However, Radiation Oncologists can perform radiation treatment to treat cancer.

Can Oncologists treat liver cancer?

The uncontrollable growth of cells in the liver is called liver cancer. The medical conditions related to liver cancer can be treated by Oncologists through medications, surgery, and radiation and/or chemotherapy.

Can Oncologists cure leukemia?

Cancer in the bone marrow or blood is called leukemia. Depending on the stage of leukemia Oncologists will suggest particular treatment to cure leukemia. Hematologists, Radiation Oncologists, can also treat leukemia. 

How frequently should an individual consult Oncologists?

A healthy individual may consult Oncologists once in 2 years to check the presence of any cancerous cells in his/her body. A cancer patient should consult an Oncologist once in 3-4 months or as instructed by the doctor.