Who is an oncologist: description, responsibilities and functions

In the world there is a huge number of diseases, 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 do not represent what this or that doctor is engaged in, for example, many people have a question about who an oncologist is And what is his medical activity, what diseases he can cure.

Oncology as one of medical directions

"What does the 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, the oncologist is a specialist in the field of precancerous and cancerous conditions.

In addition to doctors performing direct admission of patients, there are doctors who are researching oncology as a science. These people are investigating the causes and mechanisms that produce 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 the question, you must first know about malignant and benign tumors, because these are direct objects of treatment for this specialist.

1. Malignant tumors are characterized by active development, and on a par with the rapid damage to nearby organs and tissues. This type of tumors is dangerous not only for rapid development, but also for creating barriers for the work of vital organs, which, as a result, causes intolerable pains, and later death.
2. Unlike the above-mentioned species, 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.

Reception of the oncologist is carried out in any city, and as the diagnostics of an organism does not take much time, it is not necessary to delay with visiting the doctor.

Areas of Oncology

If you ask what diseases the oncologist deals with, it is necessary to clarify the numerous directions of oncology and specialists practicing in this or that branch when answering:

• Mammologist is a female doctor who is engaged in diagnostics, treatment, prevention of diseases of the mammary glands.
• Oncodermatologist - based on the name, it is not difficult to guess that a specialist in this field is engaged in the treatment of skin tumors.
• The thoracic oncologist belongs to the surgical profile and deals with 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 the thoracic oncologist deals with the treatment of lung cancer.
• Oncogynecologist - the specialized direction of treatment of this specialist are organs of the reproductive system.
• Oncologist-coloproctology - is involved in treatment in the event that the tumor was diagnosed in the anus or in one of the parts of the large intestine.
• Oncologist-gastroenterologist - deals with the treatment of cancer tumors developing either close to, or on the digestive organs.

List of diseases that the oncologist treats

The best oncologists of the country most often face the following types of diseases:

• Leukemia;
• Melanoma of the skin;
• Lymphogranulomatosis;
• Myeloma;
• Uterine myoma;
• Neuroendocrine tumors and so on.

The list of diseases is not exhaustive. The above mentioned types of diseases are also handled by a children's oncologist who diagnoses cancers in children of small age.

When it's time to go to an oncologist

As a rule, on reception to the oncologist get on a direction of other experts who have suspicions on presence of this or that kind of a tumor. The following can contribute to the profile direction:

1. Cracks and ulcers in the area of the skin, lips, uterus, which for a long time do not heal, despite their long treatment.
2. Abundant mucus, pus is a signal of cancerous tumors in the event that there are no other reasons for their appearance.
3. Change in the color of pigment spots, the appearance of a red arc around them, an increase in size, as well as other changes (began to itch).
4. Swallowing food is accompanied by pain, with the passage of time becomes more difficult.
5. Presence of paroxysmal cough without any apparent cause.
6. Constipation, diarrhea, other digestive disorders of the stomach in the absence of causes.
7. Regular increases in body temperature without cause.
8. Rapid weight loss more than 15 percent of the total body weight in a few months.
9. Prolonged pain in the bones, in the region of the spine without any reasons contributing to this (strikes).
10. Formations of an incomprehensible origin in the area of the breast, mammary glands.

The order of admission by an oncologist

"Who is an oncologist and how is the first reception?" - the main question of those whom the specialized doctor sent to the diagnostic center.

At the first visit, you must take with you an outpatient card, where there are all the medical history, the results of the examination, and the conclusion of the doctor who issued the direction for the diagnosis of cancer. The oncologist is necessarily interested in the presence of diseases on the hereditary line, so before taking it is better to study the genealogical tree 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, the location and localization. As the results of the analysis come on, the oncologist develops and prescribes a course of treatment.

Types of examinations appointed by a doctor

As a rule, a doctor, including a children's oncologist, appoints the following types of examination:

• X-ray;
• blood test;
• Ultrasound of internal organs ;
• Computed tomography;
• MRI;
• Analysis on oncomarkers;
• Biopsy;
• Cytological examination ;
• Puncture.

Who and when it is necessary to undergo a preventive examination

Having received an answer to the question of who is an oncologist, you are probably interested in knowing who and when it is necessary to be examined by this specialist? It is important to note that visiting an oncologist is necessary not only in case of detection of cancer or the occurrence of pain of unknown origin, but also as prevention. The earlier a doctor performs an examination, the higher the probability of getting rid of possible diseases. To appear to a specialist immediately is necessary in the following cases:

1. Persons who have reached the age of 45. Especially this paragraph concerns nulliparous women after 40 years - such categories of persons need to undergo a preventive examination at least once a year.
2. If such severe diagnoses as liver cirrhosis, mastopathy, intestinal polyposis are put.
3. Presence of oncological diseases by a related line.
4. It is important to regularly see a specialist if you have been transferred to an operation to remove a cancerous tumor in order to prevent and monitor the development of cells.
5. Work on the production with an increased level of pollution: dust, gas, radiation and so on.
6. Smoking and frequent visits to the solarium are also a reason for visiting an oncologist.

If one of the above items has appeared in your life, it is necessary to immediately take a referral from the therapist and go for diagnosis to the cancer center.

If your dream is to become an oncologist

A difficult medical profession is an oncologist. Reviews about such specialists are very diverse: from confidingly positive to negatively negative. If you decide to devote your life to the treatment of seriously ill people, you must remember the enormous responsibility that lies on the shoulders of each specialist.

Oncology is rightly considered to be one of the most complex medical specializations that require from the doctor not only the lion's share of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, but also a high level of concentration, mindfulness, responsibility, determination. In addition, the chief oncologist besides the above has such qualities as compassion, a good memory and the desire to help people.

Every qualified specialist must necessarily monitor their health, because the loss of hearing or sight leads to the further disability of the oncologist.

Qualification of a specialist in this medical field is increased throughout the course of therapeutic activity. This means that a good doctor should have not only a medical education, but also a high-quality post-graduate training. As a rule, after obtaining 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, and work on one's own qualities will bring to the coveted goal, namely, the healing of people who so need help and rescue from a horrific disease.