Best Online Doctors for Medical Oncology (59 doctors)

A medical oncologist is a doctor specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer using medical therapies, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. They work with patients to create treatment plans that can help manage and treat cancer, focusing on non-surgical interventions.

While an oncologist is any doctor who specialises in cancer care, a medical oncologist specifically focuses on treating cancer using non-surgical methods like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Oncologists, in general, may include specialists in radiation or surgical oncology as well.

Medical oncologists treat cancer using medications and other non-surgical approaches, while surgical oncologists specialise in removing tumours or affected tissues through surgery. Surgical oncologists are typically involved in the initial diagnosis and treatment of cancer, while medical oncologists provide ongoing treatment and management.

You may be referred to a medical oncologist if you need cancer treatment involving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or hormone therapy. They are typically consulted for non-surgical cancer management and ongoing monitoring after initial treatments.

No, medical oncologists do not perform surgery. They focus on treating cancer through medications and other non-surgical therapies, often working alongside surgical oncologists when surgery is required.

A radiation oncologist uses radiation therapy to treat cancer, while a medical oncologist focuses on using systemic therapies like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted drugs. Both specialists treat cancer but use different approaches to manage the disease.

Medical oncology treatments include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormonal therapy. These therapies are used to treat cancer by targeting cancer cells or boosting the body's immune system to fight the disease.

Medical oncologists commonly treat various types of cancers, with the most frequent being breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer. Their role is crucial in managing and monitoring patients through ongoing cancer treatments.