Specialty oncology. Profession from the inside: what does an oncologist do

There are a huge number of diseases in the world, each of which is treated by the appropriate doctor. Now it is difficult to understand the narrow medical specialization, because in addition to such concepts as “dentist”, “gynecologist”, “oculist”, most people have no idea what this or that doctor does, for example, many people have a question about who an oncologist is and what is his medical activity, what diseases can he cure.

Oncology as one of the medical fields

What does an oncologist do? - you ask. The work of such a doctor is to diagnose and treat tumors of any kind and at any stage of development. In other words, an oncologist is a specialized specialist in the field of precancerous and cancerous conditions.

In addition to doctors who directly see patients, there are doctors who study oncology as a science. These people are engaged in the study of the causes and mechanisms that give rise to tumors, both benign and malignant. In addition, the practice of scientific doctors contains the development of various methods and tactics of treatment, as well as the development of ways to prevent such diseases.

Malignant and - what is it?

If you want to know who an oncologist is, then when answering this question, you must first learn about malignant and benign tumors, because these are the direct objects of treatment of this specialist.

1. Malignant tumors are characterized by active development, and along with that, rapid damage to nearby organs and tissues. This type of tumor is dangerous not only by rapid development, but also by the creation of barriers to the functioning of vital organs, which, as a result, gives rise to unbearable pain, and later death.
2. Unlike the above type, benign tumors do not have the ability to develop and affect nearby organs. Despite this, it is necessary to establish careful monitoring of cancer cells, because they have the ability to regenerate and begin active reproduction.

An oncologist's appointment is carried out in any city, and since the diagnosis of the body does not take so much time, you should not delay visiting a doctor.

Directions of oncology

If you ask what diseases an oncologist deals with, when answering, you need to clarify the numerous areas of oncology and specialists who practice in a particular industry:

• A mammologist is a female doctor who deals with the diagnosis and treatment of mammary glands.
• Oncodermatologist - based on the name, it is not difficult to guess that a specialist in this field is engaged in the treatment of skin tumors.
• A thoracic oncologist belongs to a surgical profile and is engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of several human organs: tumors of the trachea, esophagus, diaphragm, stomach, lungs, and so on. As practice shows, most often a thoracic oncologist deals with the treatment of lung cancer.
• Oncogynecologist - the profile direction of treatment of this specialist is the organs of the reproductive system.
• An oncologist-coloproctologist is involved in treatment if the tumor was diagnosed in the anus or in one of the sections of the colon.
• Oncologist-gastroenterologist - deals with the treatment of developing either near or on the digestive organs.

List of diseases treated by an oncologist

The best oncologists in the country most often face the following types of diseases:

• leukemia;
• skin melanoma;
• lymphogranulomatosis;
• myeloma;
• uterine fibroids;
• neuroendocrine tumors and so on.

The list of diseases is not exhaustive. The above types of diseases are also dealt with by a pediatric oncologist who diagnoses cancer in young children.

When is it time to visit an oncologist?

As a rule, an appointment with an oncologist is referred by other specialists who are suspected of having one or another type of tumor. The following circumstances may contribute to the profile direction:

1. Cracks and ulcers in the area of ​​the skin, lips, uterus, which do not heal for a long time, despite their long-term treatment.
2. Abundant mucus, pus are a signal of cancerous tumors if there are no other reasons for their appearance.
3. Change in the color of age spots, the appearance of a red arc around them, an increase in size, as well as other changes (they began to itch).
4. Swallowing food is accompanied by pain, over time it becomes more difficult.
5. The presence of a paroxysmal cough for no apparent reason.
6. Constipation, diarrhea, other digestive disorders of the stomach in the absence of causes.
7. Regular rise in body temperature for no reason.
8. Rapid weight loss of more than 15 percent of total body weight in a few months.
9. Prolonged pain in the bones, in the region of the spine without any causes that contributed to this (blows).
10. Formations of unknown origin in the chest, mammary glands.

The order of reception by an oncologist

“Who is an oncologist and how is the first appointment?” - the main question of those whom the specialized doctor sent to the diagnostic center.

At the first visit, you should definitely take with you where you have all the medical records, the results of the examination, as well as the conclusion of the doctor who issued the referral for the diagnosis of cancer. An oncologist is necessarily interested in the presence of diseases along a hereditary line, therefore, before taking it, it is better to study the family tree and the history of serious diseases of this type in blood relatives.

After a short interview, the doctor prescribes all the necessary diagnostic measures to determine the size of the tumor, the degree of its spread, location and localization features. As the test results come in, the oncologist develops and prescribes a course of treatment.

Types of examinations prescribed by a doctor

As a rule, a doctor, including a pediatric oncologist, prescribes the following types of examination:

• x-ray;
• blood test;
• computed tomography;
• analysis for tumor markers;
• biopsy;
• puncture.

Who needs to undergo preventive examination and when

Having received an answer to the question of who an oncologist is, you are probably interested in knowing who and when should be examined by this specialist? It is important to note that a visit to an oncologist is necessary not only in case of detection of cancer or pain of unknown origin, but also as a preventive measure. The sooner the doctor conducts an examination, the higher the likelihood of getting rid of possible diseases. See a specialist immediately in the following cases:

1. Persons over 45 years of age. This item especially applies to nulliparous women after 40 years of age - such categories of people need to undergo a preventive examination at least once a year.
2. If such severe diagnoses are made as cirrhosis of the liver, mastopathy, intestinal polyposis.
3. Presence in kinship.
4. It is important to see a specialist regularly if you have had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in order to prevent and monitor the development of cells.
5. Work in production with an increased level of pollution: dust, gas, radiation, and so on.
6. Smoking and frequent visits to the solarium are also reasons to visit an oncologist.

If one of the above points has appeared in your life, you should immediately take a referral from a therapist and go to an oncology center for diagnosis.

If your dream is to become an oncologist

Difficult medical profession - oncologist. Reviews about such specialists are very different: from confidentially positive to negatively negative. If you decide to dedicate your life to the treatment of seriously ill people, you must remember the enormous responsibility that lies on the shoulders of each specialist.

Oncology is rightfully considered one of the most complex medical specializations, requiring from the doctor not only the lion's share of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, but also a high level of concentration, attentiveness, responsibility, and determination. In addition, the chief oncologist, in addition to the above, has such qualities as compassion, a good memory and the desire to help people.

Every qualified specialist must monitor their health without fail, because loss of hearing or vision leads to further disability of the oncologist.

The qualification of a specialist in this medical field increases throughout the entire medical activity. This means that a good doctor must have not only a medical education, but also high-quality postgraduate training. As a rule, after receiving a general higher education, oncologists study for about 3 years in residency.

In any case, whatever the path to the dream, diligence, patience, work, diligence, as well as work on one’s own qualities will bring them closer to the cherished goal, namely, the healing of people who so need help and salvation from a terrifying disease.

An oncologist is a doctor who diagnoses, treats and prevents benign and malignant neoplasms.

Oncology is a highly specialized branch of medicine, whose tasks are to study the mechanisms of the appearance and development of various tumors. As you know, special attention is paid to malignant tumors, united under the general name "cancer". The results of the work of oncologists are methods of treating cancer and combating the growth of any tumors at all stages of development. If you were looking for an answer to the question “what does an oncologist treat?”, then, following from the foregoing, it is easy to draw the right conclusion. An oncologist deals with the treatment of tumors.

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Main areas of oncology

With the spread of oncological diseases and the increase in the amount of information collected about them, the following separate areas have emerged:

Specialization of the oncologist

Oncological diseases, in essence, are systemic, so the oncologist is obliged to understand the features of the structure and treatment of all organs and tissues. In addition, each oncologist has specialized skills and knowledge for his or her organ or system (for example, an onco-mammologist, an onco-gastroenterologist, etc.). Simply put, an oncologist directs the treatment of those organs in which a tumor develops.

What does an oncologist treat?

Neoplasms that develop to pathological sizes fall within the scope of the oncologist. They can be relatively harmless (benign) or aggressive to the body (malignant).

Let's take a closer look at their distinguishing features:

Benign tumors are composed of cells similar to those in tissues in which proliferation occurs. These cells do not tend to infiltrate or metastasize, so they do not penetrate into adjacent organs and tissues. In addition, the growth rate of benign neoplasms in most cases is quite low.

Malignant tumors differ in the intensity of growth. Their cells acquire pathological activity, the ability to penetrate into healthy tissues and metastasize to distant organs.

Modern oncology specialists are able to treat a wide range of cancers:

Leukemia - proliferation of blasts - immature cells (acute form) or maturing and mature bone marrow cells (chronic form), leading to a deterioration in hematopoietic processes up to its complete cessation, the formation of cytopenia and suppression of immunity.

Melanoma is the appearance of a malignant neoplasm of skin pigment cells that produce melanin (birthmarks, moles, etc.).

Lymphogranulomatosis- a tumor in the lymphatic system, which can quickly spread through the lymphatic vessels and metastasize to various organs.

Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow that leads to the gradual destruction of bone tissue.

Sarcomas - come from soft extraskeletal tissues (muscles, fat, blood and lymphatic vessels, mesothelium, etc.).

Neuroendocrine tumors- these include gastroenteropancreatic neoplasms, cancerous lesions of islet cells, tumors in the endocrine glands (prostate, breast, adrenal glands, ovaries, thyroid, etc.).

Neoplasms of the mediastinum- appear between the lungs, under the sternum.

Tumors of the central nervous system- appear in the nervous tissues of the spinal cord and brain, disrupt the coordination function and lead to severe nervous disorders.

Fibroids - also known as fibroids. Often occurs in women of reproductive age in the uterus. It can be in a benign state for a long time, but without appropriate treatment, in most cases, malignancy of the tumor occurs.

When should you see an oncologist?

Medical scientists have identified a number of specific symptoms, in the presence of which any person is strongly recommended to undergo an oncological examination.

Noticed signs of bleeding from internal organs (from the nose, genitals, along with urine or feces);

A strong weight loss was recorded, for which there is no adequate explanation;

Skin neoplasms and suspicious changes in moles or warts;

Enlargement and compaction of the lymph nodes without signs of infection;

Seals in soft tissues (special attention is paid to the mammary glands);

Migraines accompanied by impaired coordination, vision or hearing;

Regular causeless diarrhea with pathological discharge from the rectum;

Prolonged lack of appetite, nausea and a sharp deterioration in well-being;

Discomfort associated with pressure in the organs of the abdominal cavity, chest, throat, pelvic area, which does not go away for a long time.

When is it necessary to visit an oncolgist?

Even if there are no typical symptoms of cancer, there are other equally important reasons to visit an oncologist:

Preventive supervision after the course of treatment of any oncological disease. It is carried out twice a year or more often (as prescribed by the attending physician);

Women who have reached the age of 45 should regularly visit a breast oncologist. For nulliparous women, this age is reduced to 40 years. It is time for men to come for preventive examinations to an oncologist after 50 years.

Cirrhosis of the liver, polyps in the intestines and mastopathy are the reasons for regular visits to the oncologist.

All family members of a cancer patient need to be screened due to a genetic predisposition to cancer;

Workers in hazardous industries in which a high level of known carcinogens (sunlight, dust, gases, radiation) are required to undergo an annual examination by an oncologist.

The main task of the oncologist during the examination is to identify the tumor and study its properties.

A patient who has received a referral to an oncologist must undergo an initial examination, which consists of:

Collecting an anamnesis and compiling a list of complaints, on the basis of which the primary symptoms of the disease are compiled;

Visual examination with palpation of the organs, the state of which the patient complains about;

Prescribing tests to identify a specific type of tumor.

Among the procedures that are necessary to collect information about the tumor, oncologists most often use:

Computed and magnetic resonance imaging - layered images of a certain part or the whole body, on which you can see the location, shape and size of the tumor;

Ultrasound - helps to detect and assess the size of the neoplasm in the body cavities;

Mammography is a specific procedure for examining the mammary glands;

Blood test to detect tumor markers;

Cytological examination of a smear from the cervix;

Puncture of pathological tissues with subsequent histological examination.

An oncologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats benign and malignant neoplasms, and also deals with the prevention of the development of cancerous tumors in the population.

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General information

Oncology is an extensive branch of medicine that studies neoplasms (tumors) of various origins, the patterns of their occurrence and development mechanisms, methods for their diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Oncological diseases include heterogeneous tumors that develop from a specific type of tissue. These are systemic diseases, since the development of the tumor process in one way or another affects all human systems and organs.

The atypical cancer cells that make up malignant tumors are distinguished by:

• a violation of the ability to form a certain phenotype, which causes a violation of the tissue structure at the site of the tumor;
• accelerated reproduction and the ability to exist almost forever, which leads to aggressive tumor growth (ordinary body cells die after several divisions);
• the ability to spread with the flow of blood or lymph (to form metastases).

Oncological diseases are not a sentence - according to modern research, cancer cells appear in single quantities in healthy people, but are successfully destroyed by the body's immune system. An oncological process detected at an early stage in most cases guarantees a long-term remission or a complete cure.

Types of doctors

The type of cancer depends on the histological structure and location of the tumor.

Since neoplasms localized even in one organ can differ both in structure and in the course of the disease, oncology is divided into many narrower specialties.

Depending on the narrow specialization, an oncologist can be:

. This specialist deals with benign and malignant tumors of the male reproductive system.
• Oncologist-gynecologist who deals with tumors of the female reproductive system.
, whose field of activity is tumors of the digestive system. , which studies and treats neoplasms of the liver. . This doctor deals with tumors of the rectum. . This specialist deals with neoplasms of the lungs. , whose field of activity is kidney tumors. . This doctor deals with neoplasms of the bladder and urinary system. , which deals with tumors of the endocrine glands. is a specialist who treats neoplasms of the breast. , which deals with benign and malignant tumors of the joints, bones and soft tissues. , whose field of activity includes skin tumors. - is a doctor who deals with tumors of the blood and blood-forming organs. is a specialist who studies and treats neoplasms of the heart.
• an oncologist who treats tumors of the ear, nose, larynx and pharynx.
• A neurooncologist who specializes in tumors of the brain and nervous system.

Since oncological diseases affect the mental state of the patient, have a certain pattern of spread and features of the course of the disease in different age groups, there are also such narrow specializations as:

• Oncoepidemiology. Doctors of this profile identify and study the patterns of the spread of benign and malignant neoplasms among certain groups of the population or among the entire population of a certain region.
• Oncohygiene. The field of activity of specialists of this profile is the study of the sources and mechanisms of the development of oncological diseases, as well as the development of onco-hygienic (preventive) measures.
• Psychooncology. Doctors of this specialization are studying the impact of cancer on the patient's psyche.
• pediatric oncology. Pediatric and adolescent oncologists specialize in the study and treatment of cancer in this age group. Childhood cancers are often the result of changes in DNA and respond better to chemotherapy than adult cancers. A pediatric oncologist most often encounters tumors of the brain and nervous system, leukemia and neuroblastoma, which can develop in any organ.
• Geriatric oncology. The field of activity of specialists of this profile includes the study of the characteristics of oncological diseases in the elderly.

Depending on the methods used to treat oncological diseases, doctors of this specialty are divided into:

• oncologists who are engaged in the surgical treatment of neoplasms (thoracic oncologist deals with operations on the chest organs, operates on the abdominal organs, etc.);
• oncologists who treat the disease with ionizing radiation (radiation therapy);
• oncologists-chemotherapists who treat various types of malignant neoplasms by introducing antitumor chemotherapeutic agents into the body (special chemicals or drugs are used).

Specialists in the field of oncoimmunotherapy are studying the possibilities of treating neoplasms with immunological drugs and methods of influencing the immune system.

What does an oncologist treat?

An oncologist is a specialist who treats benign and malignant neoplasms that occur when there is a violation of the processes of cell division and growth.

Benign formations

Benign tumors grow slowly, usually do not affect the body as a whole (the exception is compression of vital centers), do not form metastases and rarely affect neighboring organs and tissues.

The cells of a benign tumor have lost the ability to control cell division, but the ability to differentiate is partially or completely preserved (they resemble the tissue from which they originated in structure). The specific function of the tissue may also be partially preserved.

Benign tumors treated by an oncologist include:

• Fibroma is a tumor that is formed from connective tissue. It develops in the subcutaneous connective tissue on any part of the body and in the connective tissue of the female genital organs.
• Lipoma is a tumor originating from adipose tissue. In terms of structure, lipomas almost do not differ from normal adipose tissue, are delimited by a capsule, are mobile and can cause pain.
• Myoma is an encapsulated tumor that develops from muscle tissue. May be single or multiple. Leiomyoma is formed from smooth muscle tissue, and rhabdomyoma from striated tissue.
• Chondroma, which develops from cartilage tissue. It is characterized by slow growth, often formed at the site of injury or tissue damage.
• Osteoma is a well-defined tumor of bone tissue. It is usually solitary and congenital.
• Angioma is a tumor that develops from blood vessels. It is located under the skin, looks like strongly dilated tortuous vessels.
• Hemangioma, which is a congenital formation with dilated capillaries.
• Lymphangioma is a congenital tumor of the lymphatic vessels that actively grows in childhood.
• Glioma is a tumor of neuroglial cells (auxiliary cells of the nervous system).
• Neurinoma is a tumor that develops mainly in the peripheral nerves and roots of the spinal cord, but can also develop from cranial nerves.
• Epithelioma is a tumor originating from squamous epithelium (the most common type of benign neoplasm).
• Adenoma is a tumor that develops from the tissue of the gland.

Benign neoplasms also include a cyst, which is a cavity with a wall and contents (may be liquid). Rapid growth of this formation is possible.

Neurofibromatosis (Recklinghausen's disease) is also a benign disease treated by an oncologist. With this disease, a lot of age spots and fibromas are formed, and inflammation of the nerves is also observed.

Benign neoplasms are often an incidental finding during examination for another reason, since no manifestations of the disease are observed with a small tumor size.

Malignant formations

Malignant tumors grow rapidly (growth rate depends on the type of tumor), affect the entire body due to cancer intoxication, tend to grow into neighboring organs and tissues, and are also prone to recurrence even when the tumor is completely removed.

At a certain stage of development, malignant tumors form metastases - the cells of the original tumor are carried throughout the body with blood, lymph or spread through the serous membrane, and the secondary tumor begins to develop in a new place.

The cells of malignant neoplasms have no control over division and differentiation - a cancerous tumor during histological examination can be so different from the tissue of the affected organ that it is impossible to determine the origin of these cells by structure.

Tumor cells can be highly differentiated, moderately differentiated, poorly differentiated, and undifferentiated. The lower the degree of differentiation, the faster the cells divide and the tumor grows.

An oncologist deals with the treatment of such malignant neoplasms as:

• Carcinoma (cancer). Malignant cells in cancer differ in epithelial origin. A tumor develops from the epithelium that lines the internal cavities of various organs, or from the integumentary epithelium. Depending on the type of epithelium, adenocarcinoma (the tumor develops from the glandular epithelium), basalioma (develops from the basal cells of the epithelium), squamous cell carcinoma (develops from the cells of the upper layer of the skin, keratinocytes) and transitional cell carcinoma, which develops from the transitional epithelium, are distinguished.
• Sarcoma. It is a group of malignant neoplasms that develop from actively dividing, "immature" bone, cartilage, muscle and adipose connective tissue. Sarcoma differs from carcinoma in the absence of attachment to any organs.
• Leukemia (leukemia). This is a group of malignant diseases in which malignant cells can form both from immature blood precursors and from maturing and mature cells. The initial tumor is localized at the location of the bone marrow, gradually replacing the sprouts of hematopoiesis.
• Lymphoma. Malignant neoplasms develop from lymphocytes. The initial tumor is localized in the lymph nodes, but later metastasizes throughout the body. Immature lymphocytes can infect the bone marrow.

Separately, tumors of the central and peripheral nervous system are isolated, the origin and mechanism of development of which is not fully understood.

Oncologists treat such neoplasms of the nervous system as:

• neuroectodermal tumors (include relatively benign and malignant tumors - astrocytoma, oligodendrocytoma, ependymoma, glioblastoma, medulloblastoma, pinealoma, choroid papilloma, neurinoma, ganglion cell tumors and tumors of complex composition);
• tumors from mesenchymal derivatives (benign and malignant meningiomas);
• pituitary adenomas (chromophobic, basophilic, eosinophilic and mixed);
• tumors from the remnants of the pituitary passage (benign craniopharyngiomas, which in rare cases are transformed into malignant ones);
• heterotopic tumors of ectodermal origin (includes benign cholesteatoma and dermoid);
• teratomas and teratoid tumors, which are rare;
• metastatic tumors that develop mainly in lung cancer and breast cancer.

Also, oncologists are engaged in the treatment of pigmented tumors (melanoma or melanoblastoma), which develop from the pigment cells of the meninges. Melanoma often metastasizes to the brain.

When to contact an oncologist

Consultation with an oncologist is necessary for people who:

• frequent nosebleeds are observed, blood is excreted from the genitals or blood is present in the feces or urine;
• there was a strong weight loss, and a sharp weight loss has no adequate explanation;
• neoplasms appeared on the skin or existing moles, warts and other skin formations have changed (it is especially important to visit a doctor if skin formations are bleeding);
• seals appeared on any part of the body (you should pay close attention to seals in the mammary gland);
• there is a seal and an increase in lymph nodes;
• there are frequent and prolonged febrile conditions that are not explained by the presence of other pathologies;
• there is constant pain in any area;
• headache attacks of unknown origin are observed, vision, hearing and coordination of movements have deteriorated;
• pathological discharge from the mammary glands or rectum appeared, causeless diarrhea is present;
• the general state of health has sharply worsened, there is a loss of appetite or nausea in the absence of identified pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract;
• for a long period there is a feeling of discomfort in a particular organ (pressure, perspiration, etc.).

Since oncological diseases are successfully treated in the early stages, but these stages do not differ in severe symptoms, it is recommended to undergo regular preventive examinations from and other specialists.

Preventive visits to the oncologist are indicated:

• Patients after undergoing treatment for any cancer. The number of visits and the interval between them is set by the doctor on an individual basis, at least once a year in the absence of relapse and a non-aggressive type of disease.
• Persons suffering from cirrhosis of the liver, mastopathy or having polyps in the intestines.
• Women who have given birth after 45 years and who have not given birth after 40 (it is necessary to visit an oncomomologist, since breast cancer often develops at this age).
• Men over 50 due to the risk of developing cancer.
• Family members of cancer patients, since there is a genetic predisposition to a certain type of cancer.
• People who work in hazardous industries with high levels of known carcinogens (radiation, formaldehyde, asbestos, etc.).

Stages of consultation

Patients usually come to an oncologist in the direction of other specialists who suspect that the patient has an oncological disease.

The main task of the oncologist is to identify the tumor during the examination and study its properties.

The initial inspection includes:

• collection of anamnesis, including family history, and clarification of complaints to draw up a picture of the primary symptoms of the disease;
• visual inspection and palpation of problem areas of the body, as well as areas that may be prone to metastases;
• the appointment of tests and instrumental studies to identify a tumor of a particular type.

When a tumor is detected, a biopsy is performed - a research method that consists in taking biological material (cells or tissues) for histological analysis.

At the secondary appointment, the doctor examines the results of tests and studies, makes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment.

In the future, oncologist consultations are held according to an individual schedule to track the dynamics of the therapy process or the results of the operation.

Diagnostics

To make a diagnosis, an oncologist uses:

• The clinical history of the patient, which includes the patient's complaints, his general condition and the presence of oncological diseases in relatives.
• Biopsy results. This is a mandatory diagnostic method in oncology, which allows you to examine the type of cells and confirms or refutes the presence of cancer.
• A general blood test, which in case of cancer reveals an increase in ESR, an increase in the number of neutrophils and a decrease in the number of lymphocytes.
• A biochemical blood test, which, in the presence of a disease, reveals a decrease in the level of total protein and urea. With sarcoma, cancer of the liver, lungs and organs of the reproductive system, blood sugar levels can change. Liver cancers are accompanied by an increase in the level of bilirubin and ALT, and an elevated level of alkaline phosphatase is a sign of bone tumors, gallbladder or liver damage.
• Blood test for tumor markers. This analysis is used to assess the dynamics of the disease, allows timely detection of recurrence, evaluation of the effectiveness of therapy and suspicion of an oncological process at an early stage.
• Radiography. Bronchography is used to detect lung cancer, angiography helps to detect vascular tumors, and mammography helps to detect breast tumors.
• Ultrasound is a harmless research method that allows you to get an image of the internal organs and identify a neoplasm in the body cavities.
• MRI and CT, which allow you to get an image of the organ under study, to detect the presence of a tumor and the presence of large metastases when using a contrast agent.
• Scintigraphy (isotope study of bones) to detect metastases.
• Instrumental methods. Gastrooncologists use esophagoscopy, gastroscopy, duodenoscopy, colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy to diagnose the disease. Pulmonologists prescribe bronchoscopy and thoracoscopy, oncologists-urologists - cystoscopy, ureteroscopy and nephroscopy, and oncologists-gynecologists - colposcopy and hysteroscopy.

Positron emission tomography and single photon emission tomography can also be used.

For timely diagnosis in the population with risk factors for the development of a certain type of oncopathology, screening is carried out (an initial examination in the absence of symptoms of the disease).

Treatment

Treatment of cancer depends on its type, aggressiveness and stage of development. The general condition of the patient also influences the choice of treatment method.

For the treatment of patients, oncologists use:

• Surgical methods. Radical operations can be used, in which all tissue changed by cancer is removed, cryosurgery, laser surgery, etc.
• Radiation therapy (radiotherapy).
• Chemotherapy.

Liqmed reminds: the sooner you seek help from a specialist, the more chances you have to maintain your health and reduce the risk of complications.

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Oncologist(from Greek. onkos- mass, growth, tumor.) - a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of oncological diseases. Oncology- a branch of medicine dedicated to the treatment of malignant tumors, i.e. cancer. The profession is suitable for those who are interested in chemistry and biology (see the choice of profession for interest in school subjects).

Features of the profession

A malignant tumor can affect almost any organ, and many methods are used to treat it. Therefore, doctors of various fields are engaged in the treatment of oncological diseases: otolaryngologists, proctologists, vascular surgeons, dermatologists, etc., who have linked their careers with oncology. Cancer is treated surgically, with the help of chemotherapy, radiation, immuno- and hormone therapy. An oncologist specializes in one of these areas, but at the same time monitors the development of related areas. Without this, a holistic view of diagnosis and treatment is impossible. Of course, when a strategy for combating a disease is developed, a consultation (medical meeting) is held.

Fortunately, many types of cancer are now successfully treated. And the earlier the disease is detected, the more successful the treatment. Therefore, oncology pays great attention to early diagnosis, which is also carried out using blood tests for tumor markers. Ultrasound and radiation diagnostics are also used.

The specialty of an oncologist is one of the most difficult in medicine.

First, it requires extensive knowledge and skills, because cancer has many faces, sneaks up unnoticed, resists treatment, and tends to spread throughout the body.

Secondly, cancer is a tragic disease. Despite advances in medicine, people continue to die from cancer. Every oncologist knows that he will not be able to cure some of his patients: someone was diagnosed too late, and someone was simply unlucky, and his type of cancer is especially difficult to treat, while someone gave up and refuses treatment himself.

But the more experienced the doctor, the more he knows. He shares his knowledge, developing science, passing on knowledge and experience to students. Someday medicine will learn to defeat any cancer. And then the oncologist profession will get rid of its gloomy halo. But even today, oncologists believe that it is possible and necessary to fight for the patient to the end. For example, Russian doctors are categorically against euthanasia. As oncologist Mikhail Lichinitser (specialist in chemotherapy, corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences) said in one of his interviews, medicine is moving forward, and it may happen that today a patient will be deprived of his life at his request, and tomorrow the necessary medicine will appear. You need to fight the pain and continue the treatment. “Today, euthanasia is a completely non-medical concept,” says the doctor. “There is no alternative to life,” he reminds.

Oncologist training

The Medical University of Innovation and Development (MUIR) provides services for advanced training and professional retraining of doctors as part of the educational direction. Students have access to full-time distance learning. Those who complete the course receive a certificate, diploma or doctor's certificate.

universities

Workplace

The profession of oncologist allows you to work in the oncology departments of hospitals, specialized oncology centers, oncology research institutes.

Salary as of 03/24/2020

Russia 36000—95000 ₽

Moscow 50000—130000 ₽

Important qualities

The profession of an oncologist involves a high degree of responsibility, determination and the desire to help people. As well as a good memory, a scientific mindset, stress resistance, sensitive fingers, good fine motor skills. Visual or hearing impairments (if they cannot be corrected with glasses or an apparatus) are a hindrance to such work.

Knowledge and skills

An oncologist must know the causes and course of oncological diseases, their symptoms, know the methods of examination and treatment methods.

The depth of knowledge of certain methods depends on specialization.

Also, an oncologist must understand the psychology of oncological patients, be able to find a common language with each of them in order to inspire confidence and the will to fight the disease.