Definition of Oncologist
Oncologist: A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
A clinical oncologist is usually trained in one of the three primary disciplines of oncology:
- Medical oncology -- the treatment of cancer with medicine, including chemotherapy.
- Surgical oncology -- the surgical aspects of cancer
including biopsy, staging, and surgical resection of malignancies)
- Radiation oncology -- the treatment of cancer with therapeutic radiation.
Once a cancer diagnosis is made, it is the oncologist's role to explain the cancer diagnosis and meaning of the disease stage to the patient; discuss various treatment options; recommend the best course of treatment; deliver optimal care; and improve quality of life both through curative therapy and palliative care with pain and symptom management.
Source:
MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4637
Last Editorial Review: 8/22/2002
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