What does an oncology appointment 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.

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.

What does being referred to oncology mean?

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 happens on your first oncology visit?

The oncology care team will schedule your therapy, tell you how it works, and ensure you know what to expect during the process. Treatment may occur in the same clinic as your appointment or another location, depending on where you live and the type of facility.

What can I expect at my oncology appointment?

Preparing for Your First Appointment with Your Oncologist: Dr. Michael Anderson

How long does a first oncology appointment take?

Plan to spend two to three hours with us at your first appointment. It will be comprehensive and may include: A physical exam performed by your physician. Additional testing to help us outline your treatment plan.

Why would you need to see an 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 symptoms are common in oncology patients?

How is oncology diagnosed?

So your doctor may start by asking about your personal and family medical history and doing a physical exam. They 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.

Do doctors tell you if they suspect cancer?

If you're deemed to be of sound mind, and you ask the question, then yes, they are legally obligated to disclose your medical data to you.

Is oncology only for cancer?

Oncology is the study of cancer. An oncologist is a doctor who treats cancer and provides medical care for a person diagnosed with cancer. An oncologist may also be called a cancer specialist. The field of oncology has 3 major areas based on treatments: medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology.

What type of cancer do oncologist treat?

Oncologists can treat all types of cancer. As mentioned above, oncologists specialize in delivering specific therapies such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgery. Other oncologists specialize in treating organ-specific cancers, such as: Breast.

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 cancers don't show up in blood work?

Aside from leukemia, most cancers cannot be detected in routine blood work, such as a CBC test. However, specific blood tests are designed to identify tumor markers, which are chemicals and proteins that may be found in the blood in higher quantities than normal when cancer is present.

How long does it take to find out if a biopsy is cancerous?

The results, called a pathology report, may be ready as soon as 2 or it may take as long as 10 days. How long it takes to get your biopsy results depends on how many tests are needed on the sample. Based on these tests, the laboratory processing your sample can learn if cancer is present and, if so, what type it is.

What are the diseases of oncology?

What are the warning signs of brain tumor?

What is the purpose of oncology?

A branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

How often do you see your oncologist during treatment?

Often, during the first year, the doctor watches the person closely scheduling visits as frequently as every three months. The following year, depending on the person's health situation, treatment schedule and other factors, visits may be spread out a little further.

What is a typical day for an oncologist?

Common duties for oncologists include: Examining patients for signs of cancer and discussing symptoms with them. Ordering medical tests like blood tests and biopsies and analyzing their results. Explaining cancer and its treatment options with patients and developing personalized cancer treatment plans.

What should I ask my oncologist on my first visit?

How many stages are there in oncology?

Most types of cancer have four stages: stage I (1) to IV (4). Some cancers also have a stage 0 (zero). Here is a general description of cancer stage groupings.

How do oncologists decide treatment?

Treatment options are affected by physician-related factors and environmental factors, such as financial and regulatory aspects that may be specific to a particular national health system, as well as by patient-specific factors, such as age and comorbidities.

What cancers cause high protein in blood?

Possible Causes

Viral infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS. Blood cancers such as multiple myeloma or certain types of lymphoma. Severe liver or kidney disease.