Wanting to understand more about medical oncology because you or someone you care about is in need of cancer treatment? A medical oncologist is a professional who is specifically trained in diagnosing cancer as well as treating it. Their goal is to help their patients understand their treatment options so they can make the best choices for their particular situation. They are the go-to medical professional for patients diagnosed with cancer and are available during all stages of one’s cancer treatment.
This comprehensive approach to helping cancer patients find the care and treatment they need allows for the safe delivery of cancer management and treatment services. These services may be focused on destroying cancer cells, slowing the growth of cancer, preventing cancer from spreading to other parts of the body and/or reducing the symptoms of cancer. When a cancer cure is not available, prolonging one’s life is the main goal.
There are three main areas included in medical oncology — medical, surgical and radiation. Medical oncology not only focuses on providing patients with the care they need during this difficult time in their lives, but it also focuses on ongoing research. The goal is to always be searching for new and efficient ways to manage and/or treat cancer that can help improve the lives of those diagnosed.
When a patient receives a referral for oncology services, they will first need to make an appointment with a medical oncologist. During this first appointment, the oncologist will go over the patient’s health history in order to get a good understanding of their particular situation. A physical exam is also necessary during this first appointment. Once the oncologist has a good overview of the patient's current health status, they will talk with the patient about their treatment options.
A list of some of the more common types of cancer medical oncology diagnoses and treats include breast cancer, colorectal cancer, oral cancer, neck cancer, skin cancer, thyroid cancer, prostate cancer, lymphoma, melanoma and spinal cord tumors.
While there are many different types of therapy options for treating cancer in patients nowadays, there are some therapies that are utilized more often. This includes but is not limited to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy and targeted therapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Immunotherapy and biological therapy focus on stimulating the immune system to fight cancer. Hormonal therapy uses hormones to treat cancer. Targeted therapy uses drugs to treat cancer that is based on the patient's own genetic makeup.
If you have any questions about medical oncology, we invite you to contact our medical office today. We completely understand how difficult it is when someone thinks they have cancer or has been recently diagnosed with cancer. There are treatment options available for treating a variety of cancers, making it necessary to establish a relationship with a medical oncologist for the proper guidance and direction.
Request an appointment here: https://lindenbergcancer.com or call Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center at (856) 475-0876 for an appointment in our Marlton office.
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