What is Medical Oncology?

Medical oncology is a type of cancer care that involves treatment using chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. It effectively works in the treatment of cancer, when combined with other cancer care treatments such as radiation oncology and surgical oncology.

Treatments Used In Medical Oncology

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves using drugs for the treatment of cancer. These drugs destroy cancer cells by entirely stopping or slowing down their growth. Chemotherapy is generally used to treat recurrent cancers ( cancer cells reemerging after the treatment) or metastatic cancers (cancer cells that spread to other parts of the body). Chemotherapy drugs are administered orally, intravenously, injected directly into the fluid surrounding the brain or the abdominal cavity.

There are three types of chemotherapy.

1. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy that is delivered before the surgical or radiation procedures. It is recommended when the tumours are too big to be operated or when the location of the tumour is difficult to operate. The drugs used in Neoadjuvant chemotherapy reduce the size of the tumour to enable surgery.
2. Adjuvant chemotherapy that is delivered after the surgical or radiation procedures. It is recommended to clean up any remaining cancer cells that are not visible in the imaging tests. This treatment helps to reduce the chances of recurrence of cancer.
3. Palliative Chemotherapy is recommended to manage the symptoms of cancer.

Side-effects of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs also tend to destroy the rapidly dividing healthy cells that are present in the intestines, mouth, etc., which results in some side effects. The side effects of chemotherapy drugs generally disappear after the treatment. Some side-effects of chemotherapy include

1. Hair loss
2. Vomiting or nausea
3. Anaemia
4. Fatigue
5. Diarrhoea
6. Mouth sores
7. Low platelet count.

How to Choose a Medical Oncologist?

The choice of a medical oncologist plays a crucial role in the quality of your cancer care treatment and the outcomes. Cancer treatments generally take a long time and you will be required to visit the oncologist at regular intervals. It is important to choose an oncologist with whom you are comfortable. You must enquire about the approach and expertise of the oncologist before you make the final choice. Here are some tips to choose a medical oncologist for your cancer care services.

1. Choose a doctor with experience in treating specific cancer that you are suffering with. Sometimes you may have to work with a team of different oncologists specializing in medical oncology, surgical oncology, or radiation oncology.
2. Check whether the hospital or clinic of your medical oncologist accepts your insurance plan. You can verify with your insurance company or ask the customer care staff at the hospital to provide a list of insurance plans accepted by them.
3. Do a bit of research. Speak with your friends, family members or colleagues about your choice of the oncologist. You can speak to people who have undergone cancer care services for the same type of cancer that you are suffering. Know about their experience with the doctors and ask for recommendations.
4. Find out about the credentials and affiliations of the oncologist. Know whether he has received any advanced training or is affiliated to prestigious bodies in cancer care.
5. Speak to the doctor or his staff about the number of patients treated at the clinic and their outcomes. You can also ask them for references to get a first-hand account of the patient experience. Online forums, reviews, and patient testimonials also help you to know about the quality of treatment at the hospital.
6. If you are suffering from a rare type of cancer that requires personalized treatment, choose an oncologist with relevant experience.
7. Know about the team in detail. Medical oncology treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, etc. require the services of other specialists such as nutritionists, counsellors, palliative care doctors, diagnostic radiologists, etc. All these specialists will work with you during the course of your cancer care treatment and hence it is essential to know about them before you start the treatment.
8. Ask about the patient facilities and special services at the clinic. If you are opting to undergo cancer care services in a foreign country, choose a hospital with a dedicated international division that provides visa application, accommodation, concierge and other services to facilitate a smooth and seamless treatment process.
9. Schedule an appointment. Talk to the doctor in person or on the phone. This will help you understand the details about the treatment approach and the working style of the oncologist and their team.
10. Know about the cost of cancer care treatment. Choose an oncologist providing high-quality cancer care services at affordable costs.