Oncologist vs Gynecologic Oncologist

After being diagnosed with cervical cancer, you are then referred to see an oncologist, a physician that specializes in cancer treatment. This type of doctor is familiar with several types of cancer, and may also specialize in a certain type of cancer such as lung cancer or breast 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

Another type of cancer treatment specialist, a gynecologic oncologist, that specializes in treatment women with gynecologic cancers. Gynecologic oncologists are gynecologists who have completed three additional years of fellowship training in the treatment of gynecologic cancer. During a gyn-oncology fellowship, doctors become specialists in the surgical and medical treatment of gynecologic cancers including ovarian, uterine, cervical and vulvar cancers.

A gynecologic oncologist manages the patient care plan. They will perform any necessary surgeries and also provide and monitor chemotherapy treatment. If radiation therapy is recommended, the gyn-oncologist will work alongside a radiation oncologist.

While oncologists and gynecologic oncologists can treat cervical cancer, a gynecologic oncologist is ideal for women suffering from cervical cancer. This is because of their specialized training and intensive experience in treating the disease.

The Benefits of Being Treated by a Gynecologic Oncologist

A gyn-oncologist is specially trained in the field of reproductive cancers. He may be more aware of treatments or clinical trials for women with cervical cancer. Gyn-oncologists also are multidisciplinary, meaning they participate in all methods of treatment. Studies have shown also better outcomes for women treated by gynecologic oncologists.

How to Find a Gynecologic Oncologist

Location and insurance coverage may play a large role in determining what type of oncologist will treat you. Women who are not located near a gynecologic oncologist or whose insurance does not have one in their network, often seek a second opinion from one.

Your first stop in looking for a gynecologic oncologist should be your insurance provider. Inquire what oncologists are in their network and if any are gynecologic oncologists. While gynecologic oncologists aren't uncommon, they can be uncommon in smaller or rural communities.

Second, ask your referring physician about gynecologic oncologists in the area. More than likely, he will know of any local specialists.

Finally, you can look to other reputable sources, like physician finder services, like UCompare Healthcare. Remember, you should never have to pay a fee for a physician finder service. Good doctors are not only accessible through fee services. You can also check professional organizations, such as:

• The Society for Gynecolgic Oncologists
  
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  
• American Society of Clinical Oncology

_Sources:

"How is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed?" Cervical Cancer: Detailed Guide. 04 Aug 2006. American Cancer Society. Accessed 31 Jan 2008.
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_3X_How_is_cervical_cancer_diagnosed_8.asp?sitearea=

"How to Find a Doctor or Treatment Facility If You Have Cancer." National Cancer Institute Fact Sheet. 27 DEC 2006. Accessed January 31, 2008.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/doctor-facility