An oncologist is a physician who has extra training in treating patients with cancer. This is the person who will treat your cancer. He or she will make recommendations about the types of tests, treatment or help you need. An oncologist will likely specialize in one of three types of treatment - radiation therapy, chemotherapy or surgery.

Medical Oncologist

This physician works with you when the recommended treatment for your cancer is chemotherapy or hormone therapy. Chemotherapy and hormone therapy use special drugs to destroy cancer cells. You may take these drugs by mouth, or may have them injected through a vein in your arm.

While your oncologist will discuss your treatment with you and will recommend what you should do, the actual treatment will be carried out by a cancer care nurse.

Oral Oncologist

This physician specializes in assessment and oral management of the cancer patient


Radiation Oncologist

This specialist is responsible for recommending treatment with radiation therapy. He or she will decide how long your treatment will last and will monitor your progress during and after treatment. Radiation therapy uses beams of high-energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells. It is required by almost half of all cancer patients at some point in their treatment.

Your radiation oncologist works with a team of physicists and dosimetrists to design your radiation therapy plan.

Surgical Oncologist

This surgeon specializes in cancer operations and treatment.