Does being referred to an oncologist mean you have cancer?

No, seeing an oncologist doesn't mean you have cancer. You're seeing an oncologist because you have symptoms that might be cancer. Your visit to an oncologist is an opportunity for you to talk to a specialist about your symptoms. Your oncologist might order tests to learn more about your symptoms.

Does a referral to oncology mean cancer?

You will likely be referred to an oncologist if your doctor suspects that you have the disease. Your primary care physician may carry out tests to determine if you might have cancer. If there are any signs of cancer, your doctor may recommend visiting an oncologist as soon as possible.

What does a consultation with an oncologist mean?

You will meet with an oncologist — a doctor focused on the study, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The oncologist will help you overcome the effects of the condition and live a normal life. It is helpful to be ready for your initial meeting and what will occur in the coming weeks of your treatment.

Do doctors tell you if they think you have cancer?

The doctor may start by asking about your personal and family medical history and do a physical exam. The doctor also may order lab tests, imaging tests (scans), or other tests or procedures. You may also need a biopsy, which is often the only way to tell for sure if you have cancer.

Does an urgent referral mean I have cancer?

Does this mean I have cancer? It is normal to worry when you are urgently referred to see a specialist by your GP, nurse or dentist. However, more than 9 out of every 10 people (more than 90%) referred this way will not be diagnosed with cancer.

When to Refer to an Oncologist

Can an oncologist diagnose cancer without a biopsy?

Imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRIs, are helpful in detecting masses or irregular tissue, but they alone can't tell the difference between cancerous cells and cells that aren't cancerous. For most cancers, the only way to make a diagnosis is to perform a biopsy to collect cells for closer examination.

Why would I be referred to oncology?

Different cancers affect your body in different ways. Generally speaking, you might see an oncologist if you talk to your primary care physician about a change in your body and they recommend you have some preliminary tests. You likely will be referred to an oncologist if your tests indicate you have cancer.

What does oncology mean in medical terms?

Listen to pronunciation. (on-KAH-loh-jee) A branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Do you see an oncologist for benign tumors?

Your oncologist plays an important role in your overall wellness. This medical professional can identify whether you have a tumor and diagnose if it is benign or malignant. If it is malignant, it has cancer and poses risks to your health.

Does a 2 week referral mean I have cancer?

What is a 'Two Week Wait' referral? A 'Two Week Wait' referral is a request from your General Practitioner (GP) to ask the hospital for an urgent appointment for you, because you have symptoms that might indicate that you have cancer.

What type of cancer do oncologist treat?

An oncologist is a doctor who treats cancer. Some of the subspecialties include medical, surgical, radiation, pediatric, and gynecologic oncologists. Oncologists who specialize in blood cancers are called hematologist-oncologists.

Do oncologists lie about prognosis?

Many have fulminated against oncologists who lie to patients about their prognoses, but sometimes cancer doctors lie for or with patients to improve our chances of survival.

Why would I be referred to a surgical oncologist?

You might see a surgical oncologist if you have a growth or tumor. If your primary care doctor suspects you might have cancer, they can refer you to a surgical oncologist for a biopsy. If you have already been diagnosed with cancer, a doctor may refer you to a surgical oncologist as part of your cancer treatment.

How do you tell if a tumor is benign or malignant?

A benign tumor has distinct, smooth, regular borders. A malignant tumor has irregular borders and grows faster than a benign tumor. A malignant tumor can also spread to other parts of your body. A benign tumor can become quite large, but it will not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of your body.

Can you tell if a tumor is benign without a biopsy?

Benign tumors can grow but do not spread. There is no way to tell from symptoms alone if a tumor is benign or malignant. Often an MRI scan can reveal the tumor type, but in many cases, a biopsy is required. If you are diagnosed with a benign brain tumor, you're not alone.

Is oncology the same as chemotherapy?

Medical oncologists treat cancer using medication, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Radiation oncologists treat cancer using radiation therapy, which is the use of high-energy x-rays or other particles to destroy cancer cells.

What is done in the oncology department?

Oncology is a sub-specialty of medicine dedicated to the investigation, diagnosis and treatment of people with cancer or suspected cancer. It includes: preventative medicine. medical oncology (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy and other drugs to treat cancer)

What does an oncologist Specialise in?

Oncology is the specialized branch of medicine devoted to the field of cancer including diagnosis, treatments, and researches. Doctors who treat cancer patients are known as oncologists. Cancer treatment involves various medical procedures and hence, requires a speciality team.

When should you see a medical oncologist?

When Will You See a Medical Oncologist? You'll probably see a medical oncologist right after you've been diagnosed with cancer. This is usually one of the first steps of your cancer journey. They can help you understand your diagnosis as well as the timeline of your cancer treatment.

What does oncologist look for in blood test?

Samples taken for cancer blood tests are tested in a lab for signs of cancer. When viewed under a microscope, the samples may show the actual cancer cells. Other blood tests might find proteins or other substances made by the cancer. Blood tests can also tell your provider how well your organs are working.

What questions should I ask my first oncologist?

Having said that, here are some things that are helpful to discuss during your first appointment: What is my diagnosis and how soon do I need to start therapy? What are my treatment options, what's involved, and how long will each treatment take? What are the benefits of the recommended treatment?

How is early stage cancer diagnosed?

How long after cancer diagnosis does treatment start?

A new primary cancer

If so, you should wait no more than 2 months (62 days) to start treatment. This time starts on the date that the hospital has received an urgent referral for suspected cancer. You might have to wait longer if you need extra tests to diagnose your cancer.

Can you have cancer without a tumor?

Some types of cancer do not form a tumor. These include leukemias, most types of lymphoma, and myeloma.

Should I see an oncologist before surgery?

When you're faced with a cancer diagnosis, it's good to know that both general surgeons and surgical oncologists can provide excellent care when your treatment plan calls for surgery. However, in some cases, your cancer care team may recommend seeing a surgical oncologist specifically.