Medical oncology refers to a branch of medicine focusing on the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of cancer. A medical oncologist takes good care of cancer patients by using things like hormone therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. An oncologist Orange County expert usually works with other doctors to create a suitable plan. They are saddled with the responsibility of explaining the diagnosis to you, including the state of diagnosis.
When should you visit an oncologist?
You may need to begin seeing an oncologist as soon as you are diagnosed with cancer. This is regarded as one of the first steps toward recovery from the deadly disease. Oncologists are trained to help you understand your diagnosis and the timeline of the treatment you are on.
You may have to see an oncologist based on the nature of your cancer and the type of treatment plan you want to implement. There are three types of oncologists out there:
- Radiation oncologists who treat cancer using radiation therapy
- Medical oncologists who treat cancer use hormone therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and chemotherapy
- On the other hand, surgical oncologists use surgery to remove cancer tumors. Also, they perform biopsies which involve removing small pieces of tissues for testing
Before visiting the hospital to see an oncologist, you should know what services they render. Knowing things in advance will prepare you to ask the right questions and get the best results.