Looking for a hematologist / medical oncologist in San Diego?
Scripps Affiliated Medical Groups has a comprehensive list of physicians to help. Hematology / medical oncology is the field of medicine relating to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the blood (hematology), and cancer (oncology).
So, What Exactly Is Cancer?
Cancer is a general name for a condition where a tumor develops, and abnormal cell growth occurs and potentially spreads to other parts of the body. Not all tumors are malignant and cancerous, but early identification, testing and treatment by a hematologist/oncologist is critical.
Is Cancer Always Fatal?
There is ongoing research in all types of cancer, and new treatments are being developed every day that are more targeted to attack only the cancerous cells. This means that not only are the treatments less hard on the healthy cells in your body, but they can also be more effective. Each cancer diagnosis is different, and survival rates depend on the type of cancer, how quickly the cancer is identified and how soon treatment is started.
Side Effects Of Cancer Treatment?
Oftentimes, the most difficult part of a cancer diagnosis is talking about it with loved ones, friends, and co-workers. There are numerous physical side effects, like hair and weight loss, but there are psychological side effects as well.
Hematologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of diseases and disorders of the blood, spleen, and lymph glands. Common blood disorders include anemia, hemophilia (a bleeding disorder), blood clots, and blood cancers. Oncologists are physician specialists who provide treatment expertise in all types of cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and other benign and malignant tumors.
Medical oncologists specialize in treating cancer with chemotherapy (the use of drugs to kill cancer cells, typically by stopping the cancer cells’ capability to grow and divide) and other medications, such as targeted therapy and oral chemotherapy. In addition to prescribing and administering chemotherapy, hematologists/oncologists may consult with surgeons and radiation therapists on other cancer treatments.