Roles of an oncologist and oncology nurse
An oncologist is a medical professional who is trained to treat various types of cancer. They will see a patient with a variety of cancers that invade different areas of the body such as eyes, skin, lungs, tongue, mouth, lymph, bones, stomach and more. This type of doctor is experienced and trained to observe the symptoms that help him in determining where the cancer is growing and develop an effective treatment plan to either confine or eliminate it.
Types of oncology
A radiation oncologist is one who oversees radiation treatment for certain cancer types. He will develop a plan and work with other members of his team to monitor the progress of the patient and adjust the plan when necessary. He also helps the patient deal with possible side effects associated with radiology treatment. An oncologist completes nine years of the school along with four years of residency that is focused on the field of radiation oncology. They also undergo a rigorous examination to achieve their certification.
Many oncologists also choose to specialize in chemotherapy to treat cancer. In severe cases, both radiation and chemotherapy are used to shrink the tumors growing inside the patient’s body.
A surgical oncologist comes into the picture when a tumor can be easily removed without damaging the organ. Surgical removal is used when the tumor hasn’t spread very far from its original area of growth. Even after surgical treatment, the patient has to undergo chemotherapy and radiation to eliminate the remaining cancer cells and prevent them from growing.
The Vital Partnership of an Oncology Nurse
The role of oncology nurse is as important as the role played by a medical oncologist who plans and performs cancer treatments. A nurse is the one who constantly assesses the patient’s progress, educates the patient, coordinate treatments, and continue to learn more about cancer through a specific hour of research.
A nurse is the first medical professional to meet with the new patient who is diagnosed with cancer. They usually look at any lab results, study the medical history, assess the patient’s overall emotional and physical condition. This record allows the doctor to create a plan that is best for treating cancer. They can also make any adjustments based on the record made by the nurse.
Along with the assessment, the nurse also educates the patient and his family about the treatment that the patient will receive. She will also explain the type of cancer the patient is diagnosed with and how it will be treated. They will also tell all the risk factors included in the treatment.
Through the entire cancer treatment process, both oncologists and nurses will be researching and monitoring the patient’s condition to give him the best treatment possible.
Cancer is one of the worst medical conditions that people suffer from. So, it is best to meet the best oncologist in Mumbai if you hear anything about cancer in your body.