Medical Oncology
Medical Oncology in Huntsville & Other Alabama Locations
Medical oncology is a clinical and scientific specialty dedicated to the care of cancer patients through the use of medicine, primarily chemotherapy. Medical oncology focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, follow-up after treatment, and prevention of cancer. Our medical oncologists coordinate with radiation oncologists, gynecologic oncologists, and/or your other physicians as needed for your care.
Seeing a medical oncologist is usually one of the first steps of your cancer journey after receiving your diagnosis. They help you understand your diagnosis as well as the timeline for your treatment, and are also there to answer any questions you may have. There are three main areas within medical oncology; medical, surgical, and radiation. The goal of medical oncology is to always be searching for new and efficient ways to manage and treat cancer that can help improve the lives affected.
What Kind of Cancer Is Addressed by Medical Oncology?
There are unfortunately a lot of categories of cancer. Medical oncology may address many of these, however, the most common include but are not limited to:
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Oral cancer
- Neck cancer
- Skin cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Lymphoma
- Melanoma
- Spinal cord tumors
What to Expect at Your Next Oncology Appointment
At your first appointment, you should expect it to take a while. Your medical oncologist will go over results from the previous testing you may have had, your diagnosis, possible treatment options, and more. They may also order more testing to help determine the best course of action.
Sticking to your treatment plan is important to the effectiveness of the therapy. Keeping all of your appointments, even if you are not feeling well, which may be expected, is vital so you may continue on the right track of treatment.
Our oncologists are here for you, so your communication and participation with them is important. We want all of our patients to be as comfortable as possible through this difficult journey.