FSB Author Article
Excerpt
The following is an excerpt from the book When It's Cancer
By Toni
Bernay, Ph.D., and Saar Porrath, M.D.
Published
by Rodale; March
2006;$15.95US/$22.95CAN; 1-57954-823-7
Copyright © 2006 Toni Bernay, Ph.D.
As your medical team takes shape, you may bring onboard not one but
several oncologists. Within the realm of oncology are multiple
subspecialties, each of which fills a specific role on the cancer
treatment continuum. Though they work in the same field of medicine,
they won't necessarily share the same view of your particular cancer.
That's not a bad thing. Their different philosophies and methodologies
will help point you to your full range of treatment options, so you can
make informed decisions.
Diagnostic oncologists. The
first link in the oncology chain of care is the diagnostic oncologist,
who can pinpoint the particulars of a cancer. As an example, let's
suppose that a woman has found a lump in her breast. Her primary care
physician may refer her to a diagnostic breast oncologist for a
complete breast examination, which would include a physical breast
exam, a mammogram, and probably an ultrasound. Should these screenings
confirm the presence of a lump, the oncologist would be able to gather
more information about it via a fine or core needle biopsy or, if
necessary, a stereotactic (noninvasive) biopsy. Any of these could rule
out a more invasive biopsy procedure. Other suspected cancers may
require a radiologic procedure such as an MRI or a CT, PET, or CT /PET
scan.
Surgical oncologists. Once
the diagnostic oncologist finds a cancer, the surgical oncologist will
get rid of it via a surgical procedure. Most of these surgeons
specialize in general categories of cancer -- such as a surgical
gynecological oncologist, who concentrates on women's cancers. Some
surgeons narrow their focus to specific types of cancer, such as breast
cancer.
Treating medical oncologists.
A patient requiring further treatment after surgery may be referred by
the surgical oncologist to a treating medical oncologist for
chemotherapy. Actually, you may have one of these oncologists on your
medical team even if you don't undergo surgery. The treating medical
oncologist sees patients on a regular basis, administering treatment
and managing side effects. Ideally, it's a local physician, so the
patient can stay close to home and to loved ones.
To find a treating medical oncologist who's skilled in administering
a particular therapy protocol, your best bet may be the national expert
who developed it. You also might look for someone who, though perhaps
not familiar with the protocol, has a special interest in treating your
type of cancer.
Radiation oncologists.
Radiation oncologists fill essentially the same role as treating
medical oncologists, only they specialize in radiation therapy. Modern
radiation protocols can contribute to cure, in addition to serving as a
palliative measure.
Research medical oncologists. Unlike their colleagues, research medical oncologists see patients primarily in the course of carrying out experimental protocols. Their goal is to find cures for specific types of cancer, as well as measures that can prolong life or enhance quality of life. Most research medical oncologists are affiliated with university hospitals or national cancer centers.
Reprinted from: When It's Cancer: The 10 Essential Steps to Follow After Your Diagnosis by Toni Bernay, PhD, and Saar Porrath, MD © 2006 Toni Bernay, PhD Permission granted by Rodale, Inc., Emmaus, PA 18098. Available wherever books are sold or directly from the publisher by calling (800) 848-4735 or visit their website at www.rodalestore.com.