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Difference Between a Hematologist and an Oncologist in Cancer Care
By Raveena M Prakash
If anyone is diagnosed with blood cancer, especially blood-related cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood-related diseases, they are often referred for the consultation of a hematologist or oncologist! But it often raises questions in many people: What’s the difference between an oncologist and a hematologist in cancer care?
In this article, we’ll discover more about the differences and similarities in the roles and how both the roles overlap with each other!
Who is an oncologist?
An oncologist specializes in treating and diagnosing cancer. These healthcare providers mainly specialize in oncology. These doctors help to identify different treatment options and discuss each treatment option’s benefits and side effects with the patients and their families. An oncologist also oversees patients' treatment and helps to manage their post-treatment care.
There are many oncologists who get training to provide a particular cancer treatment such as surgery and radiation therapy.
Who is a hematologist?
A hematologist is a healthcare specialist who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases that affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. These include blood diseases such as benign (non-cancerous) disorders and malignant (cancerous) ones.
There are some diseases which keep the blood from flowing(blood clots), and some other diseases make the blood bleed more than usual. There are some blood disorders and blood cancer which have mild symptoms and are life-threatening.
How do the roles overlap: Oncologists vs Hematologist
Oncologists and hematologists both treat cancer diseases, but oncologists majorly focus on treating solid tumors and a wide range of cancers, while hematologists specialize in treating blood cancers and blood-related diseases.
Currently, many doctors are dual-trained in both fields and are known as hematologist-oncolgists. These specialists are highly specialized in treating cancer that develops in the blood.
Including:
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Myeloma
These cancer specialists have the knowledge of both oncology and hematology, to offer comprehensive care to the patients.
Different treatment sectors, same goals!
In cancer care, both healthcare professionals work together. For example, a patient with lymphoma might need to consult a hematologist-oncologist for diagnosis and further treatments to cure the cancer. Sometimes, cancer patients need to consult a medical oncologist for their cancer treatment. If they need to get more specialized treatments.
A medical oncologist also specializes in chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy to treat different types of cancer.
Why does this distinction matter!
Understanding some of the major differences would help patients to get timely and effective treatments. It’s necessary to understand what types of specialists a cancer patient needs to get high-quality treatments. This would help to improve and clear communication about the treatment plans. Additionally, it helps to seek second opinions or referrals more effectively.
For example, a patient with a disease such as chronic anemia would need to consult a hematologist, while a patient with breast cancer would need to consult a medical oncologist.
Consult Today
When it comes to the journey of cancer, both health practitioners, including oncologists and hematologists, play a crucial role. Whether it’s managing the blood disorders or treating tumors, both share a common goal: help and heal the patients. Additionally, improve the overall quality of life.
At Oncare, we offer premium quality cancer treatments including advanced cancer surgeries at affordable price packages with experienced cancer specialist consultation.
If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our experienced cancer specialists today. Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments now!
Frequently Asked Questions
A hematologist is a doctor who specializes in diseases that affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. Hematology is a subspecialty of internal medicine.
One of the main differences between a medical oncologist and hematologist is their treatment areas, for example, a medical oncologist treats all types of cancers, while hematologist focuses on only blood cancers and blood-related disorders.
Oncologists and hematologists both are specialised doctors, hematologists diagnose and treat blood cancers and blood related diseases. While oncologists treat cancers which are affected in any part of the body. While hematologist-oncologist combines both specialities, focusing on blood cancers.
The hematologist-oncologist also specializes in oncology, as they combine both specialties, mainly focusing on treating blood cancers.