Oncologists

Oncologists are doctors specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Palliative care for pain caused by cancer may or may not be part of what an oncologist deals in- though they may make recomendations for help in this area, or prescribe medications. There are also subspecialties within the field of oncology. These include:

  • Medical oncologists-usually deal with solid tumors and chemotherapy treatments
  • Gynecological oncologists-deal with cancers afflicting female reproductive organs
  • Pediatric oncologist-deal with cancer occurring in folk under the age of 18ish
  • Hematological oncologists-deal with cancers of the blood
  • Radiation oncologists-are specialists in the area of treating cancer with radiation therapies
  • Surgical oncologists-specialists in the area of tumor removal. Surgery being their first area of specialty and oncology a sub-specialization.

Cancer is a normal part of the human body. Odds of developing cancer only increase with age as the body sustains environmental assaults that result in accumulated DNA damage. Alterations in genetic data of cells enables cancerous cells to multiply in uncontrolled fashion, evade detection by the body’s immune sentinels, and to appropriate resources for their abnormal growth rates. Cancer is any cell type that is of an altered cell form, or has uncontrolled growth. With 75 trillion cells in a body, it is safe bet to say that everyone produces cancerous cells daily. 

In fact, a mole, which can be benign and harmless in every way is a form of cancer. It is simply a cell form that isn’t exactly right.This should not be frightening as the body has built-in damage control for just such occurrences. T cells, natural killer cells, and other types of macrophages are on constant patrol of the body for cells demonstrating abnormal growth or reproductive patterns. These cells are noticed and killed for the most part. 

Oncologists are needed when cancerous cells are too numerous (as in the blood or in tumor form). Also, because cancer cells have expanded growth and relocation abilities having a specialist with knowledge of these cells is very important for their elimination. There are the conventional routes for treating cancer and there are alternative methods. Number 1 medical malpractice rule: a person should never claim that they can cure cancer. Our bodies and our experiences make all of us different. No treatment can ever come with a guarantee. People might be scared and desperate when faced with a cancer diagnosis-but they must think treatments through to decide if it will fit them. If it sounds risky or dangerous, or if a doctor is pushing for a treatment the patient is not comfortable with, then a new doctor should be sought.

Types of medical malpractice an oncologist could commit are:

  • Lack of informed consent for a treatment
  • Medication error
  • Surgical or treatment errors
  • Performing an unnecessary procedure (such as with cancer that has metastasized beyond that point that further procedures or interventions can help)
  • Failure to diagnose 
  • Failure to treat

If you believe you or loved one suffered worsening of a condition, or a death, you may be eligible for damages. Let our experts at the Sweeney Law Firm review the facts to see if you have an oncologist negligence case. If we decide to accept your case, there is no cost for representation unless there is a settlement or recovery of funds for you.