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Oncologist

From , former About.com Guide

Updated: January 29, 2008

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Definition: A physician that specializes in cancer treatment. This type of doctor is familiar with several types of cancer, and may specialize in a specific type of cancer. There are three main types of oncologists:

  • Medical oncologists treat cancer with medicine or chemotherapy
  • Surgical oncologists treat cancer with surgery
  • Radiation oncologists treat cancer with radiation therapy


In cervical cancer cases, a gynecologic oncologist is preferred over general oncologists. This specialized oncologist is trained in gynecologic cancers, such as cervical cancer. Gynecologic oncologists oversee both chemotherapy and surgery for their patients.
Examples: After receiving her test results, the patient was referred to an oncologist.
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