What happens on your first visit to the oncologist?

At the first appointment, the oncologist will talk about treatment options. The doctor will explain which ones are available, how effective they are and what the side effects may be. Then the oncologist will recommend a course and talk about when the treatments should take place.

How do I prepare for my first oncologist appointment?

What happens when you are referred to oncology?

An oncologist is a physician who is highly trained to investigate, diagnose and treat an individual with cancer or suspected cancer. These doctors can treat many different types of cancer in various parts of the patient's body. If you have cancer, an oncologist can make the treatment plan based on pathology reports.

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?

Does seeing an oncologist mean I 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.

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

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.

What type of cancer do oncologist treat?

Hematologist-oncologists treat blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Neuro-oncologists treat cancers of the brain, spine, and nervous system. Pediatric oncologists treat cancer in children and teens.

How do you feel after first chemo?

The most commonly reported side effect after receiving chemotherapy is fatigue. 7 Give yourself time for extra rest and sleep in the days after a session. Tell your healthcare provider if your fatigue begins to affect your ability to function or complete basic tasks, like bathing.

How do I talk to an oncologist?

What are some good questions to ask an oncologist?

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 does an oncology referral mean?

Physicians and dentists generally send those patients with suspected or confirmed cancer to oncologists*. These referrers can be primary care doctors, gynecologists, endocrinologists, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, otolaryngologists, dermatologists and others.

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)

Do oncologists lie about prognosis?

Oncologists often do not give honest prognostic and treatment-effect information to patients with advanced disease, trying not to “take away hope.” The authors, however, find that hope is maintained when patients with advanced cancer are given truthful prognostic and treatment information, even when the news is bad.

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.

What questions should I ask my oncologist before chemo?

What should I ask my oncologist after treatment?

How often should you see your oncologist during treatment?

In general, people return to the doctor for follow-up appointments every 3 to 4 months during the first 2 to 3 years after treatment, and once or twice a year after that.

What questions should I ask about radiation therapy?

What happens on the first day of chemotherapy?

Your nurse will begin with a saline solution through your IV. As soon as the medications are delivered, your nurse will hang the bags of medication on the IV stand and then start the different IVs. You'll be given pre-medications first, then the chemotherapy.

How many hours is a chemo treatment?

Chemotherapy treatment varies in length and frequency and depends on the individual treatment plan prescribed by your doctor. Some last as long as three or four hours, while others may only take a half-hour.

What should you not do during chemotherapy?

What are the seven warning signs of cancer?

What procedures do oncologists do?

The most common procedures performed by surgical oncologists are biopsies and surgery for cancerous growth removal. They can also perform surgery to stage cancer and determine how far cancer has spread. In certain circumstances, surgical oncologists may also perform preventive surgeries.

What are 2 treatments used to help fight cancer?

Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy can all be used to relieve symptoms. Other medications may relieve symptoms such as pain and shortness of breath.