Who is the oncologist?

Oncology is the branch of medicine that studies the characteristics and methods of treating cancer.

The oncologist, therefore, is the doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of neoplasms that can affect the human being.

THE SECTORS OF COMPETENCE OF AN ONCOLOGIST

Thanks also to the progress of medicine, the modern oncologist can specialize further in particular areas of his discipline.

The three main "sub-specializations" are:

• Medical oncology . Oncologists with expertise in this field are concerned with the treatment of tumors through chemotherapy.
• Surgical oncology . The oncologists belonging to this sector are experts in the surgical removal of neoplasms and in the realization of biopsies.
• Radiotherapy oncology (or oncological radiotherapy ). Oncologists with particular training in this area are experts in tumor radiotherapy.

THE ROLES OF THE ONCOLOGIST

Once a tumor has been identified, the oncologist has the task of evaluating the stage of progress and gravity, by means of a biopsy.

Knowledge of the stage and severity of a neoplasm is essential for planning the most correct therapy.

With established treatments, the oncologist is required to inform the patient of the treatment modalities, times and side effects.

TEAM OF ONCOLOGISTS AND NOT ONLY

Generally, a team of doctors made up of oncologists with various sub-specializations, an experienced pathologist and a radiologist is responsible for dealing with a person with cancer.