Leading oncologists

Who is an oncologist?

Oncologist is a specialist in tumor diseases. The work of this doctor is to treat benign and malignant neoplasms, as well as precancerous conditions. To make a diagnosis, assess the degree of development of the tumor and prescribe further treatment, oncologists use reliable diagnostic methods: biopsy, MRI, PET CT, ultrasound, etc. Biopsy is considered to be the main method on the basis of which a diagnosis is made. Most oncologists not only help patients clinically, but also develop new therapies.

What are “precancerous diseases”?

Precancerous diseases naturally lead to the development of malignant neoplasms. Precancerous conditions are chronic atrophic and dystrophic diseases that lead to changes in the cells of organs and systems. The cell changes its internal structure and does not fully perform its functions. Cells in precancerous conditions have a limited lifespan and ability to divide, which distinguishes them from tumor cells.

What precancerous conditions are most often treated by an oncologist?

Common precancerous conditions:

• Barrett’s esophagus (esophageal metaplasia);
• Atrophic gastritis;
• Polyps of the large and small intestines;
• Chronic hepatitis B and C;
• Cervical dysplasia.

Timely diagnosis and treatment of precancerous diseases helps to avoid the development of a malignant process.

What highly specialized specialists treat cancer?

The following doctors are involved in the treatment of a patient with cancer:

• Medical oncologist – prescribes and adjusts courses of chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy;
• Radiologist – carries out radiation therapy, masters instrumental research methods using ionizing radiation;
• Oncologist surgeon – treats surgically, performs all kinds of biopsies to resolve the issue of the type of tumor.

There is also a specialized division of this category of doctors:

• A pediatric oncologist is a doctor who deals only with pediatric oncology of any form and location;
• A neuro-oncologist is a doctor who treats tumor diseases of the brain and spinal cord;
• A hemato-oncologist is a doctor who specializes in tumors of the hematopoietic system;
• A urological oncologist deals with cancer of the urogenital tract;
• A gynecological oncologist treats oncology of the female reproductive system;
• A breast oncologist diagnoses and treats breast tumors;
• An oncodermatologist treats tumors of the skin, mucous membranes and pigmented formations;
• A gastroenterologist oncologist deals with neoplasms of the digestive system;
• An oncologist-immunologist studies methods of immune correction of atypical cells;
• A rehabilitation oncologist rehabilitates patients after surgery, etc.

What modern treatment methods do oncologists use?

• Targeted therapy is the treatment of cancer using drugs that act on the structures of cancer cells, thereby controlling their growth and division;
• Immunotherapy is the use of the body’s own immune system by activating it;
• CAR-T therapy is a method of treating cancer in which a specialist changes the genes of T cells (a type of immune system cell). A receptor is added to the T cells, it binds to a specific protein of the cancer cells, so the T cell is now able to recognize and attack them;
• Photodynamic therapy is a treatment using a photosensitive drug – a photosensitizer. The drug accumulates in cancer cells, when exposed to light it is activated, then oxygen is released in the cells, which destroys them;
• Hyperthermia therapy is a type of treatment in which the body is exposed to temperatures of 40-45°C (104-113°F). Under the influence of such a temperature, the physical properties of cells, including tumor cells, will change;
• Hormone therapy involves using medications to block or reduce the release of hormones in the human body, which can slow or stop tumor growth;
• Radiation therapy is a treatment that uses high-energy particles or waves (X-rays, gamma rays, beams of electrons or protons, etc.) to shrink tumors and damage or kill cancer cells;

Surgical treatment is the surgical removal of the tumor and its metastases, if present.