27
Learning The Basics
Cancer Specialists
What They Do
Types of
Sub-Specialists
Dermatologists
Trained to diagnose
and treat skin diseases,
including cancers of the
skin.
Some
dermatologists
may specialize in
treating patients
with cutaneous
lymphoma.
Medical Oncologists
Trained in internal
medicine and in diagnosing
and treating cancer with
chemotherapy, biological
therapy and other
treatments. They often
manage the patient’s course
of treatment, especially
when the cancer reaches
advanced stages. Medical
oncologists may offer
consultation services to
other physicians treating
cancer patients or refer
patients to other specialists.
Additional
subspecialties can
be hematology-
oncology.
Radiation Oncologists
Radiologists specialize in
treating cancer patients
using complex radiologic
imaging systems to
administer various types of
radiation treatment. They
work closely with surgical
and medical oncologists
and other physicians such
as dermatologists, who
treat cancer patients to help
coordinate the overall care
of patients.
Radiation
oncologists may
focus on treating
specific types of
cancer such as
lymphoma and
may provide
specific types of
radiation therapy
such as electron
beam or laser
therapy.
Oncology Nurses and
Other Healthcare
Professionals
These professionals may
specialize in working
with specific types of
cancer and specific
treatment modalities
such as photopheresis or
dermatology.
Registered
nurses, clinical
nurse specialists,
advanced
practice nurses,
chemotherapy
nurses, radiation
therapists and
oncology social
workers.
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