Mesothelioma Oncologist
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma or are currently being tested for the cancer, you likely have had or will have an appointment with an oncologist and may be wondering, “What does the term ‘oncologist’ mean?” Oncologists are medical doctors who have specialized in diagnosing and treating cancer. Mesothelioma oncologists are sought by patients who want the most specialized care for mesothelioma.
Your oncologist will diagnose your exact type of cancer and will then tailor a treatment plan for you type and stage of cancer. Throughout the treatment process, you may meet several types of doctors and undergo a variety of tests and procedures. Part of the oncologist's job is to make sure all of the different doctors and procedures have the same goal — to give you the best treatment possible.
Generally you will begin seeing an oncologist after receiving a referral from your general physician or pulmonologist, either of whom may be able to refer you to several specialists. It’s possible you can receive a referral for only one oncologist. This can depend on your treating physician and other factors such as the hospital to which you are admitted. But you can take the selection of a doctor into your own hands.
If you are choosing your own oncologist and would like assistance, use the free Doctor Match program, which can match you with a top doctor near you.
What to Expect
Depending on your symptoms, you may not meet with an oncologist until you are partially through the diagnostic process. Your oncologist may ask questions about your symptoms, carry out a physical examination and even collect all or part of your medical history.
During diagnosis you also may undergo some procedures: biopsies, blood tests and medical imaging scans (X-ray, CT scan or MRI scan). All of these tests help determine if you have cancer or some other asbestos-related disease. They also help show what type of cancer is present, where a primary tumor is located, and the stage of cancer.
The oncologist will gather all this information and use it to determine the best course of treatment.
Depending on a variety of factors, the oncologist may recommend one or more of the following common treatment options for mesothelioma:
Working with an Oncologist Throughout Treatment
During treatment, an oncologist will run continual tests to gauge which types of treatment are best. Doctors should constantly monitor your general health and progression of your cancer.
Having to undergo all the tests and treatment procedures can be exhausting. It can also be frightening. Remember that these procedures are essential to you getting the proper treatment. Which treatments work for you is highly dependent on your cancer type and its stage. That makes it important that your oncologist have up-to-date test results about your health.
One thing to keep in mind about your relationship with your oncologist: Communication is important. Tell your doctor all about your treatment experiences. The more the doctor knows, the better off you will feel about playing a part in your treatment and the better for an oncologist making decisions about you care.
Be Involved and Ask Questions
Don’t forget that you can ask your oncologist questions at any time. In general, your oncologist will clearly explain the different types of diagnostic and treatment procedures you will undergo. Your oncologist should also discuss the reasons why you are having these procedures, the results of these procedures, as well as overall prognosis. If there are any aspects of the process that you don't understand, or would like more details about, do not hesitate to ask your oncologist for more information.
- How did I get mesothelioma?
- What Kind of mesothelioma do I have?
- How advanced is my cancer?
- What kind of treatment is available?
- Are there clinical trials I qualify for?
- Do alternative treatments help?
- What's the prognosis?
- What support options are available?
- Is there financial assistance for
medical costs?
Diagnosis and treatment of asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma can be worrisome for you and your family, and if you feel that getting more information about the process helps you feel more at ease, your oncologist will likely be willing to help in any way possible.
Get Top Treatments & More Resources
The Mesothelioma Center is also able to help you and your family through the process. If you need help finding the best oncologist in your area, use the Doctor Match program to be paired with a mesothelioma specialist. To learn more about mesothelioma you can request the free informational packet or select from complimentary mesothelioma books. For more information on all the resources available through the Mesothelioma Center, visit our Patient Resources hub.
-
05/24/2012 -
One of the biggest asbestos-abatement jobs ever done in Buffalo, New York, is being handled now by a local company with a history of asbestos-related ..
-
05/23/2012 -
A new class of anti-cancer drugs is nearing the clinical trial phase and may eventually be available for treatment of aggressive diseases like pancrea ..
-
05/23/2012 -
School districts all across America have been wrestling in recent years with the task of removing and disposing of toxic asbestos from older buildings ..
© 2012 The Mesothelioma Center |
Last Modified Friday, April 27th, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Sponsored by a law firm concentrating in asbestos litigation, The Peterson Firm, LLP with offices at 1350 Connecticut Ave, NW, Fifth Floor, Washington DC 20036.
