In this article we will explain a number of things about the Medical specialty of Hematology Oncology. The proper name for these highly trained Doctors are Hematologists Oncologists. We will help you understand:
What do Hematology Oncology Doctors Do?
What Training and Education do Hematology-Oncology Physicians have?
Why would a person see a Hematology Oncology specialist?
What would a new patient expect at a Hematologist-Oncologist Consultation?
A hematologist/oncologist, also known as a Heme Onc is a physician who specializes in the treatment of diseases of the blood and blood cancers. They've received further training in the blood, lymphatic, and bone marrow systems, as well as cancers.
The word "hematologist oncologist" refers to two groups of physicians. Hematologists are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders. Oncologists are doctors who specialize in cancer diagnosis and treatment. A hematologist oncologist is an expert in both fields.
If you have or believe that you have blood cancer, you should see a hematologist oncologist. If a cancer of the blood runs in your immediate family, you may be more prone to develop it as well.
A hematologist oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer in people of all ages, though some specialize in oncology that affects kids or certain forms of blood cancers. They can be used to treat the following types of blood cancers:
Leukemia is a cancer in which abnormal leukocytes are produced.
Lymphoma is a type of leukemia.
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the blood cells.
A hematologist oncologist's education spans many years. Hematologist oncologists, like all physicians, must first complete a 4 year college education. They should study pre-med or some other area of science, ideally. Following graduation, they should pursue the following education and training:
Getting through medical school
Participating in a hospital-based medical residency
Then finishing a 3 year fellowship in oncology, pathology, hematology, or hematology oncology in a special hematology area.
They must complete a residency after completing an internship and fellowship. They can only practice as a trained physician in the medical specialty of hematology oncology after passing certain exams and receiving a medical license.
It's possible that you've been referred to a hematologist oncologist by your primary care physician or hematologist. Based on your symptoms, your primary care physician or hematologist may suspect you of having blood cancer. They will recommend that you see a hematologist oncologist for confirmation and treatment recommendations.
Expectations at a first visit to see a Hematologist-Oncologist. When you first see a hematologist oncologist, they will go over your medical history with you, including your allergies and family history. They will then perform a physical exam to check the vital signs, such as assessing your heart rate, vision and blood pressure. They will then go over the lab tests and address treatment options with you.
You may be given the following tests:
Tests on the blood
Tests on the marrow of the bones
Biopsies are a form of biopsy that is used to diagnose
Tests in imaging
Treatment choices are determined by the outcome of these assessments. Any of the therapies include:
Chemotherapy is a form of treatment that is used to treat
Radiation therapy is a form of treatment that uses a
Blood transfusion (getting someone elses blood inserted into your body)
Immunotherapy is a form of treatment that involves the use
Chemotherapy is a popular cancer treatment. It kills cancer cells in the body with drugs. Fatigue and hair loss are two common side effects that vary depending on the treatment. When care is stopped, it could also lead to long-term health issues.
Radiation Therapy
This therapy destroys cancer cells by delivering massive bursts of energy to specific parts of the body called radiation. Radiation therapy is provided to about 50 percent of cancer patients as part of their care.
You can experience various side effects depending on which parts of the body are receiving radiation therapy. Radiation therapy has a variety of side effects, depending on which portion of the body is exposed to the radiation. including diarrhea, shortness of breath, and dry mouth.
Transplantation of bone marrow
This operation replaces the body's diseased or damaged blood cells. Your blood production is restored when you replace them.
White blood cells, red blood cells, and platelet development are all restored with bone marrow transplants. The following are some examples of bone marrow transplants available:
Autologous transplantation is when a person's own stem cells are used to help heal their body in this procedure. One benefit is that there is no concern about blood cell mismatches. Your doctor will take your cells of blood and freeze them before starting treatment so that they can be transplanted after you heal.
Allogeneic transplantation is a procedure in which a person receives healthy stem cells from another person's body. These cells need to be compatible with the blood cells of your body.
Following your initial consultation with a Heme Onc physician, you will most likely continue to work with that person on a regular basis. Throughout the care, you will be accompanied by a hematologist oncologist. They'll be one of the care team's lead physicians, and they'll be available for any questions you have along the way.