• Published on: Sep 17, 2021
  • 5 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Oncologists Near Me: Understanding Which Specialist Doctor

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Why would you see an oncologist and what does an oncologist do?

Oncologists are physicians who have specialized in the study of cancer. They offer comprehensive care to patients with any type of disease including cancer to help people understand their diagnosis, prognosis, treatment plan, and side effects to optimize quality of life. A person may see an oncologist if they have just been diagnosed with cancer or another condition that could spread into cancers cells. At the same time, an oncologist will also catch signs of different conditions that would increase the risk for developing cancers like smoking and high blood pressure.

Therefore it is important to get screened by an oncologist at regular intervals (every 3 years after 40) or at least every 10 years past 50.

You're most likely an oncology patient if you have had any of the following cancers diagnosed or are suspecting one of them. Understanding what these cancers do will help you understand why each would warrant a visit to your oncologist.

Chemo-sensitivity   - Chemotherapy is often used as a type of cancer treatment (called "Chemotherapy" for simplicity) and understanding how chemo works may help you understand the concept.

Leukemia - This is treated with an intravenous course that can last up to 3 months with doses up to 500mg every day, but there are some side effects like sometimes higher risk for infection (among other things) ...

If you are worried about your risk for cancer, the best course of action may be to see an oncologist. This medical professional can assess your degree of risk and recommend appropriate screening tests, lab workups, lifestyle changes, or medication. The reasons for seeing an oncologist could range from drug side effects to blood tests that show increased markers indicating potential problems. The bottom line is that any physician not specializing in hematology will lack the knowledge needed to accurately diagnose a person with concerns related specifically to their bloodstream. As such, it's highly recommended for anyone concerned about various symptoms they are experiencing within their body.

It's important to stop the progression of cancer before it spreads, and an oncologist would be the expert to do that. Seeking professional help is good for your safety, but also because treatments are typically more effective when they're delivered quickly. Furthermore, receiving treatment at an early stage often has better outcomes for patients diagnosed with any type of cancer. Because no one wants to undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy if the tumor isn't just about ready to burst out into other places! Plus, while cancers exist locally in an organ or tissue, not all growths can metastasize.

Oncologists are experts in cancer treatment and can help you decide which type of treatment is most appropriate for your situation. A good "general practitioner" or family doctor will be able to recognize common symptoms of various cancers, but they don't have formal training in them as oncologists do.

An oncologist is a physician who specializes in the study and treatment of cancer, which includes prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. They use chemotherapy or radiotherapy to fight cancer cells. Information about clinical trials can also be found at clinics too! Some common types of cancer include lung cancer, leukemia, breast cancer, prostate cancers. It's very important for people with these conditions to seek help from an oncologist for information on what treatments are available.

An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer. Different types of cancers require different treatments, so it's important to talk to your doctor about what they think is best for you. If they recommend chemotherapy, don't hesitate to ask any questions or discuss anything that might make you uneasy- because the sooner you can advocate for yourself, the less likely it is that potential problems will occur down the line. Stay strong!

If you're having trouble sleeping, your appetite is changing, you're getting aches and pains in places that are new to you or seem particularly resistant to coping strategies for pain management, it's time to consult an Oncologist because Oncologists specialize in cancers. For example - thyroid cancer is often diagnosed by finding out there's a lump growing in the neck area. The only way doctors can be certain whether it is genuine thyroid cancer or not is by examination under anesthesia followed-up with diagnostic tests that ascertain if it's malignant or benign."

An oncologist is a specialist who treats patients with cancers and tumor growths. They're the right specialists to see if you're concerned about symptoms like unexplained fatigue, night sweats, weight loss, persistent cough, etc. An oncologist will also be able to advise as to whether you need further advanced screenings such as surgery or chemotherapy.

In a general sense, an oncologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Depending on the type of cancer for which you are being treated, your oncologist may be one of many different specialists- such as a surgeon, geneticist, radiation therapist, or pharmacist.

Oncologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and research of cancer. They are conventional doctors that one would typically see when diagnosed with a form of cancer or when having screenings for risk factors. It is important to note that not all oncologists have undergone specialization in treating this illness specifically. Some may specialize instead in surgical procedures related to both benign and malignant tumors or cancers only, while others might concentrate their careers on genetic counseling alone - helping patients understand what type of risk they are under based on family history genetics, etc.   

An oncologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating people with cancer. The first thing an oncologist does for their patients is to try and figure out whether they have cancer. If it has been confirmed, they usually analyze all the patient's history, test results (including any CT scans, MRIs, and biopsies), lifestyle choices (such as smoking habits), and family health history. With this information, they come up with a treatment plan based on what type of cancer their patient has, how far it has spread and whether there is recurrence risk. There are many ways an oncologist can treat someone: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy; hormone therapy; targeted therapy; immunotherapy

Some cancers can be treated with surgery or curettage (a surgical procedure that removes some of the tumor cells, usually using a wire loop). For example, cancers such as lung and stomach cancers may be successfully cured by removing them completely; these are called respectable cancers. An oncologist is a physician who specializes in treating cancer. The typical duties of an oncologist are diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer.

An Oncologist is also an expert in the application of radiation therapy living near you to treat cancer. Usually, after someone has gone through chemotherapy or radiation therapy, they need help to cope with these treatments that can lower their quality of life in addition to dealing with potentially life-threatening side effects from this kind of aggressive treatment. An Oncologist may specialize specifically in counseling patients going through chemo or radiation therapy.

Oncology can diagnose cancers and also suggest treatment options, either as the primary oncologist or as part of a team of doctors advising on a particular case. They ensure that patients have easy access to chemotherapy and appropriate talk therapies, which will likely include information about side effects, coping mechanisms, quality-of-life support services for things like nausea, hair loss, and mental health problems. The responsibilities of an oncologist can vary from week to week, but it is not unusual for them to spend time seeing new cancer patients in clinic visits. Oncologists are the doctors who treat cancer. If you have cancer, oncologists will be your primary care physician. They also provide follow-up treatment for people suffering from tumors that are no longer producing new cells but continue to collect wastes that cause aging at the cellular level.

Some of their duties include developing strategies, evaluating therapeutic alternatives, and providing psychological support to patients with cancer or tumors to maximize success rates for therapies that work best with each individual patient's condition.

Most often with cancer, the oncologist either does chemotherapy or radiation therapy at does it with both. The medical term for this is “combined modality therapy.” Cancer treatment teams are mostly made up of at least one specialist in the type of tissue the tumor originates from (e.g., breast oncologist), a medical oncologist—someone who has completed additional training in managing patients who have cancer (though not necessarily having any expertise about specific cancers)—and support staff like clinic coordinators, nurses, and secretaries.

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Guillain-Barre syndrome - Symptoms and causes

Guillain-Barre syndrome - Symptoms and causes

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare but serious neurological condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system. This condition can lead to muscle weakness, numbness, and even paralysis in severe cases. Understanding Guillain-Barré syndrome symptoms, causes, and treatment options is crucial for early detection and effective management.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Symptoms

The symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome typically begin with mild sensations of tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. These early signs of Guillain-Barré syndrome may quickly progress to more severe issues, including:

  • Muscle Weakness: Starting in the legs and spreading to the upper body, this weakness can become so severe that mobility is significantly impaired.

  • Reflex Loss: Deep tendon reflexes, such as the knee-jerk response, are often diminished or absent.

  • Pain: Many individuals experience sharp or cramping pain, particularly in the lower back.

  • Difficulty with Eye or Facial Movements: Symptoms may include difficulty speaking, chewing, or swallowing.

  • Respiratory Problems: In some cases, Guillain-Barré syndrome and respiratory failure become significant concerns, necessitating immediate medical intervention.

  • Autonomic Dysfunction: Irregular heart rhythms, blood pressure fluctuations, and other involuntary functions can be affected.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Causes

The exact causes of Guillain-Barré syndrome are not fully understood. However, it is widely believed that the syndrome is triggered by an overactive immune response to an infection or other environmental factors. Common Guillain-Barré syndrome causes and risk factors include:

  • Viral Infections: Conditions such as influenza, Zika virus, and Epstein-Barr virus have been associated with GBS.

  • Bacterial Infections: Campylobacter jejuni, a bacterium often linked to food poisoning, is a common trigger.

  • Vaccinations: Although extremely rare, certain vaccines have been linked to GBS.

  • Surgical Procedures: Some individuals may develop Guillain-Barré syndrome following surgery.

  • Other Risk Factors: A history of autoimmune disorders or genetic predispositions may increase the risk.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Progression Stages

Guillain-Barré syndrome progression stages typically unfold in three distinct phases:

  1. Initial Stage: Lasting 1-4 weeks, this stage includes the rapid onset of Guillain-Barré syndrome symptoms such as weakness and numbness.

  2. Plateau Stage: Symptoms stabilize but remain severe. This stage can last several weeks.

  3. Recovery Stage: Gradual improvement begins, although Guillain-Barré syndrome recovery time can vary significantly between individuals, often taking weeks to months.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Diagnosis

Diagnosing Guillain-Barré syndrome requires a thorough clinical evaluation. Physicians rely on specific Guillain-Barré syndrome diagnosis criteria, which include:

  • Patient History: Recent infections or medical procedures may provide crucial clues.

  • Neurological Examination: Reflexes, muscle strength, and sensory responses are assessed.

  • Electrodiagnostic Tests: Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) help identify nerve damage.

  • Lumbar Puncture: Testing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can reveal elevated protein levels, a hallmark of GBS.

Early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and to prevent complications like Guillain-Barré syndrome and respiratory failure.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Treatment

Treatment for Guillain-Barré syndrome focuses on managing symptoms and speeding up recovery. The primary Guillain-Barré syndrome treatment options include:

  • Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis): This procedure removes harmful antibodies from the blood.

  • Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): High-dose immunoglobulin therapy helps neutralize the antibodies attacking the nervous system.

  • Supportive Care: Ventilatory support may be needed in severe cases, along with physical therapy to aid rehabilitation.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Prognosis

The prognosis for Guillain-Barré syndrome varies depending on the severity of the condition and the timeliness of treatment. While most individuals recover fully, Guillain-Barré syndrome prognosis can include long-term complications such as:

  • Persistent Weakness: Some patients may experience lingering muscle weakness.

  • Nerve Damage: Chronic nerve pain or numbness can occur in rare cases.

  • Recurrence: Although uncommon, some individuals may develop Guillain-Barré syndrome again.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Recovery Time

Guillain-Barré syndrome recovery time can range from a few weeks to several months. Factors that influence recovery include:

  • Age: Younger individuals generally recover faster.

  • Severity: Severe cases with extensive nerve damage may take longer to heal.

  • Timely Treatment: Early intervention is key to minimizing long-term effects and shortening recovery time.

Conclusion

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a challenging condition that requires early recognition and prompt treatment. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options, individuals can better manage this syndrome and improve their outcomes. If you or a loved one suspect Guillain-Barré syndrome, consult a healthcare professional immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for a full recovery.

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