Understanding Oncologists - The Cancer Doctors

Oncologists are physicians who diagnose and treat cancer. They specialize in providing medical care to cancer patients including treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and more.

Role of an Oncologist

• Diagnosing Cancer - Oncologists conduct physical exams, order imaging tests like CT scans and MRIs, and analyze biopsies to diagnose cancer. They determine the type of cancer, stage, and severity.
• Deciding Treatment Plan - Based on the diagnosis, oncologists decide the best treatment plan including the type of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy required. They consider the pros and cons of each option.
• Performing Specialized Surgeries - Surgical oncologists perform complex cancer surgeries like mastectomy, tumour resection, reconstructive surgeries etc.
• Administering Chemotherapy - Medical oncologists determine chemotherapy drugs, dosages and treatment cycles to target the cancer cells while minimizing side effects.
• Providing Radiation Therapy - Radiation oncologists precisely target tumours with radiation beams to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumours.
• Monitoring Progress - Oncologists regularly monitor patients during and after treatment to check effectiveness, side effects, cancer recurrence or progression.
• Managing Side Effects - They manage treatment side effects like infection, fatigue, and nausea and help improve cancer patients' quality of life.

Counseling Patients - They educate and counsel patients and family members about the treatment, and coping strategies and provide emotional support.

Top Oncologists in India

• Dr. Kaustubh Patel, a Surgical oncologist in Ahmedabad
• Dr. Ashish Dixit, a Bone marrow transplant specialist
• Dr. Tapti Sen, a Breast Surgeon in Kolkata
• Dr. Sandeep Nayak, Fortis Hospital, Bangalore
• Dr. Vishal Kulkarni, Bone marrow transplant specialist
• Dr. Radheshyam Naik, Bone marrow transplant specialist
• Dr. Vishal Rao, a Surgical Oncologist

Oncologists play a pivotal role in the cancer journey - from initial diagnosis to treatment and survivorship. Their expertise helps save innumerable lives each year.